Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo
FORMER Australia Under-20 utility back, Ian Prior is in line to make his Sables debut after he was named in the starting XV for Zimbabwe’s opening match of the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup against Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Kampala, Uganda tomorrow.
The 33-year-old fly-half is one of the two players in the starting XV who will be playing their first match for the senior men’s national rugby team alongside the young fullback, Edward Sigauke.
Dylan Utete – another debutant – made the 23-man match-day squad but will be starting from the bench as the Piet Benade-coached Sables team looks to cause an upset in East Africa.
A win against the Cranes will see Zimbabwe book a spot in the semi-final where they will face the winner between Namibia and Burkina Faso on July 24.
“We have a fantastic group of players ready to represent Zimbabwe with pride. The hard work is done, and now it’s time to translate that effort into success on the field,” said Benade.
The Rugby Africa Cup serves as the first step towards qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The Rugby Africa Cup is a continental men’s rugby union tournament organised by Rugby Africa. The 2024 edition of the tournament features eight nations and these are: Burkina Faso, Namibia, Senegal, Kenya, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s match against Uganda starts at 3pm.
SABLES TEAM FOR UGANDA TEST:
STARTING XV: Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Brian Nyaude, Aiden Burnett (VC), Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Takudzwa Musingwini, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Edward Sigauke, Tapiwa Mafura.
RESERVES: Liam Larkan, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Bornwell Gwinji, Dylan Utete, Tadiwa Gwashu, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo.
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