SWD Eagles threaten boycott

George - The SWD Eagles rugby side threatened on Wednesday to boycott Friday's Currie Cup First Division rugby match against the Falcons at Outeniqua Park in George unless they are paid.

The players are angry because SA Rugby stopped all funding to the union a few weeks ago until the political infighting comes to an end.

It also believed that they have the support of the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA).

Meanwhile, SWD Rugby Union CEO, Willie Small, is doing everything in his power to save the situation.

He has been in contact with SA Rugby the whole day.

If the match does not take place, there would be a few red faces around as the match is set to be televised live from George.

The Eagles (30) are currently seven points behind log-leading EP Kings (37) with a match in hand.

Coach Johann Lerm brought back Joe Breytenbach (wing) and Hans Grobler (hooker) after injuries.

In East London Border Bulldogs captain and scrumhalf Yongama Mkaza returns to action after a slight injury to represent the union for the 100th time when they face the Boland Cavaliers.

Ntando Kebe therefore moves back to the bench.

Logan Basson also returns to action, but this time at fullback.

He replaces Chumani Booi who will once again partner strong-running Jeffrey Taljard in midfield.

For the Kavaliers PJ Vermeulen is also back at centre.

This is one of four changes coach Loffie Eloff has made.

The teams:

SWD Eagles:

Bobby Joubert, Baldwin McBean, Sinethemba Zweni, Bevin Fortuin (capt), Ambrose Barends, Jandr Blom, Jacques Engelbrecht, Shaun Raubenheimer, Lyndon Hartnick, Henry Grimes, Henk Eksteen, Anton van der Westhuizen, Hans Grobler en Jaco Terblanche.
Replacements: not yet announced.

Border Bulldogs:

Logan Basson, Howard Noble, Chumani Booi, Jeffrey Taljard, Sinovuyo Ganto, Thembani Mkokeli, Yongama Mkaza (capt), Solly Tyibilika, Nomani Tonga, Ross Doneghan, Samora Fihlani, Ben Venter, Marius Visser, Matthew Taljard, Byron Schmidt.
Replacements: Kwezi Mkhafu, JP Geldenhuys, Bonga Mntunjani, Dumisani Meslane, Ntando Kebe, Divan van Zyl, Luvuyo Mhlobiso.

Boland:

Jacquin Jansen, Cornal Hendricks, PJ Vermeulen, Alex Kock, Jeremy Plaatjies, Willie le Roux, Bolla Conradie (capt), Zandr Jordaan, Braam Immelman,Franzel September, Hottie Louw, Grant le Roux, Eusebio Guinazu, Andries Kruger, Janro van Niekerk.
Replacements: Clemen Lewis, Charl du Plesis, Ros Labuschagne, Thor Halvorsen, Neil Papier, Lionel Cornelius, Brandon April.