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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
THE Sables were the biggest beneficiaries at the just-ended World Cup qualifiers that also doubled up as the Africa Cup — in terms of the rankings
Zimbabwe finished as the second best team in the tournament won by Namibia while Kenya finished third.Going into the tournament, Zimbabwe were ranked as the 30th best rugby playing nation on the International Rugby Board world rankings, Namibia were 22nd, Kenya were ranked as the 33rd best side while the Makis of Madagascar were 35th.
The Sables hammered Madagascar 57-22 in their opening game to rise from 30th to 27th — their highest ranking ever since the rating system was introduced a decade ago.
Zimbabwe went on to lose 24-20 to Namibia but this was countered by a 28-10 win over former African champions Kenya in their final match on Sunday. This means the Sables gained three places, their best movement since winning the Africa Cup two years ago.
However, the Sables are still ranked as the second best African nation to Namibia (excluding South Africa) while Kenya are still third with Madagascar now seventh below Morocco (34), Tunisia (38), and Senegal (42).
Madagascar were the biggest losers and they heard back to Group 1B after they were demoted for finishing as the bottom-placed side while Namibia are preparing for the World Cup.
The Sables still have a chance to dance with the world’s best at next year’s World Cup competition in England as they are faced with play-offs.
They have to first beat Russia in Siberia on August 2 — which means they have a little over three weeks to prepare for this game.
A win will sent them into the final leg of the qualifiers, played on a home and away basis with the winner of the game between Uruguay and Hong Kong.
The winners of the play- offs will be placed in Pool A of the competition.
Pool A already comprises of Australia, England, Wales and Fiji.
“Details surrounding the preparations and match v Russia in Siberia on the 2nd or 3rd August will be made public towards the end of the week,” the Zimbabwe Rugby Union said in a statement.
Online Reporter