Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
South Africa A …………… . . . (21) 40
Zimbabwe Sables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
THE Zimbabwe Sables received a harsh reminder of the level still required at the top end of international rugby after suffering a 40-0 defeat to South Africa A at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha yesterday.
It was Piet Benade’s first defeat since taking charge of the Sables in 2024 and it exposed areas that will need urgent attention ahead of next month’s World Rugby Nations Cup.
Benade had said before the match he was less concerned about the result than the lessons his side could take from the contest.
South Africa A scored six tries through Yaqeen Ahmed, Markus Muller, Haashim Pead, Nico Steyn, Oman Khan and Jaco Williams to underline the gulf between the two sides.
Ahmed added three conversions, while fullback Luan Giliomee kicked two. The margin could easily have been wider.
Winger Zekhethelo Siyaya had two early tries ruled out by referee Aimee Barrett-Theron after consultation with television match official (TMO) Marius Jonker inside the opening five minutes.
One was chalked off for stepping into touch before grounding the ball, while the other was ruled out for offside.
Those moments set the tone for a one-sided afternoon as South Africa A repeatedly found space and punished mistakes.
The Sables defended bravely for long periods, but were ultimately undone by lapses in concentration, missed tackles and handling errors against opponents who needed little invitation.
Yet amid the scoreline, there were a few performances Benade will take encouragement from.
Tapiwa Mafura and eighthman Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere emerged with credit on a difficult day.
Mavesere carried tirelessly from the base of the scrum and was among Zimbabwe’s busiest forwards throughout the contest.
Mafura was equally influential from the back, repeatedly fielding pressure and trying to launch counter-attacks whenever opportunities presented themselves.
Bruce Houston found little room to dictate play as South Africa A consistently disrupted Zimbabwe’s attacking rhythm, while promising winger Edward Sigauke was tightly marked and rarely afforded the space that has made him such a dangerous weapon for the Sables.
Mafura’s commitment was summed up in the 62nd minute when he got back to his feet and continued after being on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle from Ahmed.
The South African flyhalf was initially shown a yellow card before the sanction was upgraded to a red following consultation with the TMO, forcing the hosts to finish the match with 14 men. By then, the damage had already been done.
With the South Africa A assignment now done and dusted, Zimbabwe’s attention turns to the World Rugby Nations Cup in the United States next month.
The Sables leave for the US on June 28, with Benade expected to name his travelling squad on Thursday.
He is also expected to receive a timely boost with Cleopas Kundiona, Ian Prior and Matthew McNab all in line to join the squad for the tournament.
Zimbabwe begin their Nations Cup campaign against Tonga on July 4 before facing hosts US on July 11 and Canada on July 18.
The opening match against Tonga, who will also be Zimbabwe’s opponents at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, will be played at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado, and kicks off at midnight Zimbabwe time.
The Sables then face the US at the American Legion Memorial Stadium before completing their campaign against Canada at Princess Auto Stadium.
