The Border Bulldogs’ technical team sees the game against the Griquas at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Friday as more about giving the players experience for the long term and is not solely focusing on the possible outcome.
Border are considered on paper as a semi-professional team and still use club rugby players, unlike the Griquas who are a fully professional team.
The difference in levels between the two teams has already been exposed in the SA Cup.
A year ago, the 2022 Currie Cup finalists handed the Bulldogs a 100-plus score in Kimberley, and that was still fresh in their minds, head coach Dumisani Mhani acknowledged on Wednesday.
“The Griquas game is a chance for our players to gain experience and see what it is like playing against professional teams because most of them are club players.
“We can’t help it, they are a bigger side than us but even in that we will put up a fight.”
The Bulldogs-Griquas game will form part of a double header, with the Border Ladies playing a curtain-raiser.
The Bulldogs are smarting from a 48-22 loss to the SWD Eagles in the SA Cup at Outeniqua Park in George.
That defeat was the second of the Bulldogs’ campaign.
It was disappointing in that it was in total contrast to their showing in the opening round at Sisa Dukashe against the Griffons, where they even had a lead at halftime.
The Bulldogs cannot afford to have a bad day on Saturday as the Griquas already top the log standings with 10 points after picking up two bonus points over the Valke and the Leopards.
The Kimberley-based Griquas picked up 60-plus scores — scary for Border who only have a point to their name and are eighth on the log.
Griquas on Tuesday named their A-team for the game.
The building of phases, not throwing the ball away when deep in opposition territory and avoiding missed tackles will be key for Mhani if they are to put up a fight against the Griquas.
Lock Hlomla Payi will be the only omission from the match 23 that played the Eagles last week.
After a medical assessment during the week, it was deemed Payi was not fit enough because of a knee injury.
In the earlier match at noon, the Ladies will be looking to conclude their Women’s Premier Division on a high against the EP Queens.
They are already out of contention for the final as they are 16 points behind the Blue Bulls Daisies on 30 points, and 12 points behind the Boland Dames on 25 points.
Daily Dispatch
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