There is a story doing the rounds that EP Rugby president Andre Rademan has special plans for his team if they bite the Border Bulldogs where it hurts most tomorrow.
He has apparently ordered that the Elephants’ team bus must be stocked up with cases of beer and piles of biltong if they pull off their first win of the season in Mdantsane.
Reports of the thrifty president dipping into his kitty to spoil the Elephants have come from a source who spotted EP’s main man with a full trolley in a North End supermarket.
He was allegedly heard saying to shoppers he was preparing to pamper his players to celebrate their first win of the season.
After six consecutive defeats they are ready to be spoilt!
Apparently the trolley was stuffed with the goodies all players crave after sweating blood for a hardearned maiden victory at the home of the arch-enemy.
Because of EP’s cash problems they did not did not have the luxury of sleeping in a comfy East London hotel when they visited the city for a first-round SuperSport Rugby Challenge clash earlier this season.
It was a case of out of the showers and onto the bus at 10pm for the late-night trip back home to the Bay.
And it was not a pleasant ride home for the weary players.
EP coach Ryan Felix and his men were left reflecting on a heartbreaking 22-17 defeat to the Bulldogs.
After trailing 10-3 at the break, Border turned the tables on the Elephants when they had the wind at their backs in a hard-fought showdown.
Felix raised the stakes for his team when he issued a challenge ahead of the showdown.
“I have challenged the players to put in an 80minute performance against the Bulldogs.”
Felix has been saying for some time that he believes a first win is just around the corner and that is probably what prompted the president’s spending spree.
The prospect of a feast on the bus home may be the incentive the Elephants have been waiting for all season!
Today’s teams:
EP Elephants (Nos 1 to 15): Xandre Vos, Mbeko Kota, Luphumlo Mguca, Mncedisi Dlwengu, Wynand Graasman, Brendon Brown, Zingisa April, Siya Mdaka, JP Smith, Ruben De Vos, Siphu Msutwana, Nkululeko Marwana, Siyanda Grey, Riaan Arendse, Michael Botha. Replacements: (Nos 16 to 22): JP Jamieson, Nicolas Roebeck, Dewald Barnard, Anele Lungisa, Lusanda Badiyana, Sonwabo Majola, Simon Bolze.
Border Bulldogs (Nos 15 to 1): Xolela Payi, Siphosenkosi Nofemele, Somila Jho, Somila Mantyoyi, Carlisle Jordaan, Aphiwe Stemele, Sinovuyo Nyoka, Athenkosi Manaentsa, Billy Dutton (c), Nkosikhona Nofuma, Johannes Janse van Rensburg, Hendri Storm, Lwando Mabenge, Mihlali Mpafi, Blake Kyd. (Replacements 16 to 21): Maliviwe Simanga, Siyamthanda Ngande, Athenkosi Khetani, Lubabalo Lento, Bangi Kobese, Mihlali Nchukana, Lonwabo Ntleki.
Referee: Archie Sehlako.
The match will be shown live on SS1 at 3pm.