The Border Bulldogs’ bid to move the kickoff time of their Saturday Carling Currie Cup First Division clash against the Boland Kavaliers to a later slot failed, with the match set to start at 1.30pm as originally planned.
The Bulldogs’ technical team and management wanted the start to be moved to 3pm to maximise attendance, arguing that an earlier slot would compromise the turnout as people would still be busy with weekend errands.
“The kickoff will remain at 1.30pm due to logistical challenges,” Bulldogs coach David Dobela said.
The clash at East London Police Park will draw the curtain on the Bulldogs’ participation in the competition, with the odds heavily stacked against them as they will be welcoming an unbeaten team.
The Kavaliers top the log with 20 points while the Bulldogs are at the opposite end of the log with three points.
The Kavaliers have won all four of their games with bonus points, and the last-placed Bulldogs are predicted to fall despite enjoying homeground advantage.
The Bulldogs will have to contend with Kavaliers dangermen Duren Hoffman and Ashlon Davids who have been in menacing form for the log leaders.
Hoffman leads the First Division points and try-scoring charts with 50 points including 10 tries in four games while Davids is in second spot on 43.
But Dobela said his team would fight to the bitter end to gain some semblance of respect after their dismal performance against provincial neighbours the EP Elephants at the Mthatha Stadium last weekend.
The Bulldogs were woeful for the better part of the match with their late surge unable to halt the 69-26 thrashing.
“At least we woke up towards the end of the match and I have asked the boys to start where they left off when we play the Kavaliers,” Dobela said.
With the semifinals moving into view and three teams already guaranteed places in the Carling Currie Cup First Division playoffs, the Bulldogs want to end the season on a high by becoming the first team to beat the Kavaliers.
Other matches on Saturday scheduled for a 3pm kickoff will see the second-placed Valke host the third-placed Elephants at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park, and the Leopards (fourth) are set to battle Phangela SWD Eagles (fifth) in Potchefstroom.
The Valke will want to win their match to secure a home semifinal, but the East Randers will know the Elephants can still move past them on the log, making it an important game for both teams.
The clash in Potch is a quarterfinal in essence as the winner of this encounter will join the other three teams in the playoffs.
Bulldogs team: 1. Lindokuhle Seteni, 2. Sikholise Nanto, 3. Hlumelo Nodonga, 4. Camagu Dlisani, 5.Luphumlo Mbiko, 6. Hlomla Payi, 7 Tiaan Jonker, 8. Hugo Bronkhorst, 9. Curwin Casper, 10. Lwando Mapuko, 11. Liyema Maqabase, 12.Hlumelo Zitha, 13. Ryan Maree, 14.Katlego Thinyane, 14. Lukhangela Tshayi. Replacements: 16. Mangaliso Zixesha, 17. Mbasa Sonkosi, 18. Cinga Ngidi, 19. Oyisa Baleka, 20. Themba Solimo, 21. Thembela Folo, 22. Mihlali Ngcukana, 23. Simuthembile Ntleki.
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