Giants clash in rugby final

Sports Reporter
IT’s another rugby final, another derby and yet another clash of the giants this afternoon as Harare Sports Club and bitter rivals Old Georgians Sports meet in the final of the Northern Region Super League at Zimbank Sports Club.

Initially the final was set for Old Georgians, but due to the fact that there will be another function at the same venue, the Dragons were forced to look for another venue to host the game.

OGs coach Grant Mitchell says his side was “excited” about playing Sports Club who are a side that can put reasonable “pressure” on his team.

“Every aspect of each team will be placed under pressure and that is what we want. We want to be tested and we want to test Sports Club as it brings out the best in both teams.

“You have to be ready for everything and that is what preparation is all about.

“Finals are unpredictable and exciting. Sports Club are a great team. They deserve to be in the final. They play a good game of all-round rugby and we look forward to the contest,” he said.

The rivalry between the two sides is intense and the winner of this tournament will have a chance to play in the South African Community Cup next year.

South Africa Rugby Union project manager for club rugby Duane Heath arrived in the country yesterday and is expected to watch the final.

A former journalist, Heath is the brainchild behind the Cell C Community Cup — an idea he proposed and brought the much-needed shift in the balance between professional and amateur rugby in South African.

It’s something that the Zimbabwe Rugby Union feel they can benefit from.

Mitchell believes their final against the Red Lions is not only a physical battle but one where their mental strength will be tested.

“The squad has been introduced to the concept of mental training this season and the pay-offs are evident.

“Any sportsman that wants to achieve at the next level requires the investment into their mental approach. It is a misunderstood and under-utilised training tool.”

“Truth be told it is a not a focus of ours. If it happens (for Zimbabwean teams to play in the SA leagues) then we adjust our approach.

“We hope they find what they are looking for and that rugby in Zimbabwe gains appropriately. It is not a focus of ours and there is no pressure.”