Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SABLES coach Piet Benade says flyhalf Ian Prior and No.8 Jason Fraser can be “game-changers” when Zimbabwe open their World Rugby Nations Cup campaign against Tonga at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park tomorrow morning.
Tonga are also in Zimbabwe’s 2027 Rugby World Cup pool and such this Nations Cup opener carries extra weight.
The Sables face the USA on July 11 and Canada on July 18 after their showdown with the Pacific Ocean islanders.
Benade has made six changes from the side that lost 40-0 to South Africa A in Port Elizabeth last weekend.
Prior and Fraser start, alongside Godfrey Muzanargwo, while Michael Kumbirai moves from the bench to the front row with Victor Mupunga and Matthew Mandioma.
Benade opted to bring Prior to replace Bruce Houston at Number 10.
Muzanargwo and Fraser slot in at lock and 8 while Tino “Blithe” Mavesera shifts from eighthman to blindside flank to add physicality to the Sables ensemble.
“It is good to have Prior back. He is a proven game-driver and brings value,” Benade said.
“Fraser adds experience at 8. Dylan Utete has grown into our physical presence in the forwards. All three have big challenges and opportunities on Saturday (USA time).”
The Zimbabwe coach also said the squad has settled after a 30-hour trip and time-zone adjustment.
“The boys are sleeping better now. There is excitement around the challenges ahead.
“It’s special to play a historic fixture against a powerful rugby nation like Tonga,” he said.
Tonga coach Tevita Tuifu’a expects a direct Zimbabwe forward pack.
“I expect them to be hard in the carries. Maybe they have the edge from warm-up games, but we are prepared,” Tuifu’a said.
Tuifu’a believes that he has picked the players based on form, thus the inclusion of Moana Pasifika players in the team to play the opening game.
Moli brothers Samiuela and Atu get to start off together upfront, while another brother Sekope is on the bench.
The experience of Jimmy Tupou and Veikoso Poliniati at lock forward and the versatility of Tuitupou, vice captain Semisi Paea and Otunuku Pauta should do well for the Tongans in the battle for lineout balls and the rucks.
All are also good ball runners.
Veteran halfback Sonatane Takulua will lead the side again as captain, with the key combination of flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini and fullback William Havili one that should prove a big advantage for the side.
Both are good kickers and their ability to nail the opposition in their half with long touch-finders or high bombs could prove to be a winner for Tonga.
Teams:
Zimbabwe XV: Victor Mupunga, Matthew Mandioma, Michael Kumbirai, Gary Porter, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Tino Mavesera, Dylan Utete, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki, Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Trevor Gurwe, Tapiwa Mafura.
Impact: Bryan Chiang, Tijde Visser, Cleopas Kundiona, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Tyrone Gombe, Bruce Houston, Dion Khumalo.
Tonga XV: Fatongia Paea, Samiuela Moli, Atu Moli, Jimmy Tupou, Veikoso Poliniati, Samuel Tuitupou, Semisi Paea (VC), Otunuku Pauta, Sonatane Takulua (c), Patrick Pellegrini, Telusa Veainu, Fine Inisi, John Tapueluelu, Taniela Filimone, William Havili.
Bench: Sekope Lopeti Moli, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Paula Latu, Mahorni Ngakuru, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Siaosi Nginingini, Solomone Kata, Anzelo Tu’itavuki.
