The EP Elephants are expecting a tough physical encounter when they face the Border Bulldogs in a SA Rugby Under-21 Shield clash at the Madibaz Stadium on Friday, coach Shaun “Trok” Oliver says.
Both teams crashed to defeats last week and will be desperate for the points on offer in a third-round clash at the NMU campus (kickoff 3pm).
With the Shield competition a sprint rather than a marathon, neither team can afford another defeat if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
After kicking off their campaign with a promising 32-13 win over the SWD Eagles in George, EP were brought crashing back to earth when they slumped to a heavy 63-36 defeat against the Boland Cavaliers last week.
“Our preparations have gone well and we are on track for our game against Border on Saturday,” Oliver said.
“Border are a physical side, so we must be sure we are up to the task.
“EP want to focus on what we are doing well and improve on a lot of errors we made against Boland last week.
“This is an important encounter for both teams after losses in the previous round.
“We also know that derby matches against Border are always tough affairs.”
The Bolanders, who showed enterprise on attack, outscored the home team by nine tries to five to record their second win of the campaign.
EP's try scorers were Sean van Zijl (2), Ethan Olckers, Somila Yakayaka and Lyle Meintjies.
Cavaliers wing Patwin van der Merwe led the charge on EP's tryline with four scintillating five pointers to ensure his team remained at the top of the log.
One positive EP can take into the Border showdown was that Sean van Zijl (2), Ethan Olckers, Somila Yakayaka, Lyle Meintjies were able to score tries during the defeat.
Border will be looking to improve their discipline against EP after three yellow cards proved costly when they slumped to a 31-24 defeat against the Eagles at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.
The Herald
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