Border Bulldogs head coach Dumisani Mhani believes the SWD Eagles are in the same boat as they are.
So their 70-plus defeat to the Pumas was not an ideal measure of the ability of the Western Cape side after the opening round of the SA Cup.
The Bulldogs and SWD Eagles, who are considered semi-professional on paper in comparison to the likes of the Pumas, will clash in round two of the competition at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday afternoon.
The Bulldogs gave a spirited first-half performance against the Griffons in East London on Saturday last week before running out of steam in the second stanza.
They had a 25-19 lead by halftime but ended up losing the game 55-32.
The men from Welkom found their rhythm after the break and outscored the Bulldogs by four tries to one to register a comfortable win in the end.
The hosts were only allowed to score again after normal playing time had lapsed.
Mhani acknowledged that the positive attitude shown in the first half was what they wanted in George, a tough place to visit.
“We told the boys during the week to move on from that second-half performance but take the learning from it.
“We had a good first half that should be the positive going to George,” he said.
“We worked on the areas that we felt hindered us in that second half and we know now where we can improve.
“It is always a tough game going to George, especially now since they are coming off a big defeat, they will want to prove themselves.
“They are in the same boat as us and play in the First Division, they were playing against professionals in Mbombela against the Pumas.
“That is not an ideal match to look at to say these are their strengths and these are their weakness. But we are confident in the boys.”
Mhani was appointed at the end of 2024 and last weekend was his first outing.
He has been backed with numerous players contracted by the Border Rugby Union for the Bulldogs.
He said he had enjoyed his homecoming to the union.
The 10 teams in the SA Cup will play a single round of league fixtures, and the four semifinalists will qualify for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division while the rest will contest the First Division.
Daily Dispatch
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