Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
RUGBY Afrique called it a DUEL FOR THE AGES!
And, it lived to expectations as the gallant Sables stormed back from a first half deficit to beat Kenya 29-23 and move within one game of returning to the Rugby World Cup.
The Sables will meet Namibia for a ticket to the ultimate showcase in the game.
“Zimbabwe and Kenya; two proud nations, one grand stage,” noted Rugby Afrique, ahead of the showdown in Uganda on Sunday.
“A clash of wills, a symphony of tackles, bursts of brilliance, and hearts beating for glory.
‘‘These are the moments frozen in time — where sweat met spirit, and dreams danced on the edge of reality.”
By the end of the battle, it was the Zimbabweans who were celebrating.
“Zimbabwe’s tight 29-23 win over Kenya in the semi-finals was the highlight of the day, as the two old foes went toe-to-toe for 80 minutes in a match that kept the cavernous crowd on its feet throughout,” noted Rugby Afrique.
“Tries by inside-centre Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, scrumhalf and captain Hilton Mudariki, as well as eighth-man Jason Fraser, were complemented by 14 points from star flyhalf Ian Prior, who has continued his good goal-kicking form in this tournament.
“A late try by Kenya substitute Victor Akala took the game to the wire, but Zimbabwe held on for their most famous win over the Kenyans since the two countries’ first encounter in 1981.
“Sables flank Tino Mavesere, who featured for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship this past season, was the player of the match, largely due to his carries and defensive work.
“Earlier in the day, Namibia defeated Algeria 21-7 to move within sight of their eighth Men’s Rugby World Cup qualification.”
They also say a picture tells a thousand words.
That is quite true for the gallant Sables whose faces showed their determination to fight for their flag and whose commitment on the pitch was of the highest order.
They fought like a family and were duly rewarded for their heroism.
They know Namibia will be a tougher opponent but this is a different Sables side now and they showed that last year when they beat their big rivals in the final of the same tournament.
Of course, this year’s showdown carries more weight because it provides a ticket to the World Cup for the winners.
One gets a feeling that this Sable side have been built, over the past few years, for this one BIG moment.
Clearing the hurdle will be a fitting climax to their project.
