malvernmugadzikwa
Deputy Sports Editor
FOR Zimbabwe Junior Sables coach Shaun De Souza, the numbers 82-35 have never been as relevant as they are today.
The numbers were the aggregate scoreline between the United States (US) and Canada during their North American regional qualifier for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy.
In a result that came as a surprise to many, except De Souza, the US emerged winners, as they convincingly beat their neighbours 43-21 in the first leg and 39-14 in the reverse fixture of their two-legged play-off. What this means is that the US, and not Canada, are the ones who advance to join Scotland, Uruguay and Zimbabwe in Pool A of the World Junior Trophy.
The US camp is reportedly on cloud nine, and so, too, is De Souza.
“We were keeping a close eye on the game between the US and Canada, and I remember I spoke to one of the US technical staffers, who wanted some insight into how we performed against Canada,” he said.
“He wanted to know what we thought were their weaknesses, and I think they used the information we gave them very well. The scoreline reflects that. Personally, I am excited for the United States.
“We were fortunate to beat Canada away last year and having yet another big nation to compete against is an honour.
“We are looking forward to the challenge.”
The US’ big win means all the eight teams that will compete at the World Junior Trophy are now known. Zimbabwe and the US are expected to square off on July 25. However, the Junior Sables will first have to contend with Scotland and Uruguay.
Scotland pose a completely different threat to Zimbabwe compared to Uruguay and the US, as one is an all-too-familiar foe and the other is a nation on the rise.
The Junior Sables open their campaign on July 15 with a match against Scotland.
How they perform against the Europeans could set the pace and tempo for them at the tournament.
“Scotland will definitely be the team that sets the trend of how we perform at the Junior World Trophy. They are the team that has tasted the championship tier, and, obviously, will be raring to go back,” said De Souza.
“The positive side for Scotland is that they have had the Six Nations to adequately prepare, and have had a whole six months to get ready for this event. For us, I think we are the minnows and the lowest-ranked nation in this event, so how we perform against them will determine how far we can go in this tournament. Knowing that we have had some experience with Uruguay, the two unknown entities in our group are Scotland and the US.”
While playing Scotland, who were recently relegated to the Junior Rugby Trophy, appears a tall order, the Junior Sables are primed for the task.
In between keeping tabs on matches between Canada and the United States, the team have been quietly going about their business during their weekly camps.
They have played a couple of warm-up games against Old Georgians, Old Hararians and a Harare Select side.
While not in the same calibre as the proposed triangular series against South Africa and Kenya Under-20 teams, the matches provided an insight into what they need to fine-tune before the team’s departure for Kenya next month.
Funding challenges have, however, been a major challenge. The final squad of 28, which also includes a couple of non-travelling reserves, is expected to be announced during the first week of July, after which the Junior Sables will have their final camp.
Twitter: @Nashaar
Online Reporter