MANCOSA Rhinos’ coaches Charles Mndaweni and Kobus Wernich are faced with the conundrum of how to get off the windy path and onto the straight and narrow road without going through the bush.
The experienced duo and their talented squad are currently sitting on a 50-percent winning ratio after inconsistency crept into their camp.
The side lost in round one to Hillcrest Villagers (80-15), bounced back and beat UKZN Durban 20-8 at home, got smashed by Westville Old Boys (36-5) and beat Pietermaritzburg Collegians (37-36) over the weekend, on the road.
So, if one follows the sequence, then the local outfit should lose to Ballito Dolphins tonight (Thursday) at Mick Kelly Park.
These two sides met for the first time this season at the Bozas Cup in eShowe, where Ballito Dolphins ran rampant and secured victory.
But Rhinos had an under-watered side at the tournament and the game was shortened and not 80 minutes long.
Since then the Rhinos’ side has imported a front row that weighs in just over 340kg’s and packs years of experience at various levels of rugby.
The tight five has improved and showed their worth this season, scrumaging all opposition thus far whilst pocketing scrum penalties in their favour.
The fit and skilled loose trio add to a valued pack of forwards that get good front foot ball for the elusive backs.
Scrumhalf Solly Nomzang can pass both ways off the base of the ruck and plays a quick running game, which has contributed to the side’s success in the past.
All backs run onto the ball at speed and run great angles which continually test the opposition’s defensive structures.
But off-loading at the wrong times and poor handling has let the side down in games that should have been won this season.
Funny thing is the side that smashed UKZN Durban remained unchanged for the Westville fixture, but did not ‘look’ the same in terms of overall performance.
This conundrum needs to be sorted out to break the sequence of their 2018 season, which shows much promise.
If the Rhinos come out charging, then a win will definitely be on the cards, but one does not know what side will rock up this weekend.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm and 8.30pm tonight (Thursday) at Mick Kelly Park and all locals are encouraged to come out and support the lads.
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