adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
THE heavyweights of local rugby clash this afternoon in what promises to be an explosive battle royale at Old Hararians when the hosts take on Old Georgians in the National Rugby League Cup final.
With the separation of men from boys having taken place last week, where both sides powered from the semi-finals with wins over Mat’land Warriors and Harare Sports Club, the two Harare giants rekindle their rivalry in the league’s biggest game of the season.
Old Boys utility back Tangai Nemadire, who played for Harare Sports Club in the final against the Warriors last year, believes they are on song and have what it takes to walk away victors at the end of the 80 minutes this afternoon.
Twice the teams have met this season, Old Georgians winning the first encounter at home before the Old Boys levelled matters with the return leg win.
And today’s game will determine who the real giants of local rugby for the 2013 season are.
The make-or-break fixture, Nemadire feels, has all the factors that make up an exciting end to the programme with fireworks in store for the fans.
Old Georgians are taking this game seriously and coach Grant Mitchell believes his side, who last won the league title in 2011, will break the Old Boys’ hearts in front of their home crowd.
Old Hararians have lost once in 15 league games this season and that defeat came only at the hands of the same side they take on in this afternoon’s grand finale.
They have not won a league title since 2005 and this is their first final appearance since 2007.
“The first game we played against the Dragons early in the season and lost was because we were still a new team, new coach, new players all trying to learn how each one of us play but since then we have never suffered a loss.
“We even played them in the return leg and beat them so we are now on song, we all know and understand each other’s play.
“Of course, this is going to be a big game and we do not have to get overconfident or underestimate our opponents.
“We have due respect for them, we know what they are capable of doing, especially with their forwards, but we also know where their weaknesses are and that is why we have a game plan to counter them as well.
“It means a lot for any team to be in the final especially for us who are coming from a major boost as we beat another big team in the form of last year’s runners up, the Warriors, last weekend,” said Nemadire.
Mitchell was equally upbeat that his side will walk away with the most prestigious local rugby silverware, setting up a wonderful platform for one of the biggest Harare derbies.
Mitchell has faith in his current crop of players and it is the likes of Ian Armstrong, Boyd Rous, lock Fortunate Chipendu former Sports Club front rower Jakov Jakov, and former Old Boys flanker Farai “Jigga” Jijita that he is banking on to deliver.
“We (Old Georgians) know that we have to be accurate in technical and skill delivery and to be mentally prepared to accept the challenge of playing in a national club final.
“Our forwards have been dominant this season because they have worked hard as a unit, they have laid the foundation for much of our attack and led the defence in tackles made.
“But our backline has been equally good scoring impressive tries .
“Players like Ian Armstrong, Ryan Sporke, Tatas Mutataguta, Kuda Chiwanza Craig Elcombe and Boyd Rouse have done an outstanding job.
“But there is pressure on everyone in both camps. How you manage and use that pressure is key at the end of the day,” said the former Cheetahs player.
Mitchell also feels that the experience and good leadership qualities in his senior players will also come in handy and that will give them an advantage over their opponents.
“We have a great leadership base in captain Jacques Leitao, Pieter Joubert, Fortune and Scott Flowers who all lead by example.
“New players like Jakov, Jonathan Goosen and Kudzai Muzorewa have added great value to the culture that motivate players to perform for one another,” said Mitchell
Old Georgians
15-9: Ryan Sparke, Tatas Mutataguta, Craig Elcombe, Grant Mitchell, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Boyd Rous, Ian Armstrong.
1-8:PeiterJoubert, Keith Murray, Jakov Jakov, Jonathan Goosen, Scott Flowers, Rees Surtees, Jacques Leitao (captain) Brandon Champman.
Substitutes: Kudzai Muzorewa, KudzaiChigumbu, Vakai Hove, Travolter Chipendu, David Crouch, Tafadzwa Mudoti, Christian Kagona, Eldridge Mudzonga
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