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Mehluli Sibanda in Durban, South Africa
AFTER being bruised and battered 78-5 by the Griquas in their second match at the Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week at Kearsney College on Wednesday, the Old Mutual-sponsored Junior Sables now shift their focus to their final game of the tournament against Namibia tomorrow. Coach Godwin Murambiwa’s lads were completely outclassed by the boys from Griqualand, who scored a massive 12 tries, while Zimbabwe’s only points were courtesy of an unconverted try by Matthew McNab.
Murambiwa blamed that defeat on a poor defensive performance and they have to work hard on that for them to end the tournament on a high note. Murambiwa gave his boys the day off yesterday to recover from the battering they suffered at the hands of the Griquas, with training resuming this morning.
Zimbabwe last registered a win over Namibia at the Under-18 Craven Week in 2010 when they triumphed 30-20 at the North West Stadium in Welkom and this present team has to play extremely well to end the Namibians’ dominance over them.
The best Zimbabwe have achieved against Namibia was a draw. The two teams have a similar record of one win and a defeat from their two matches at the on-going Craven Week. Namibia beat Griquas 56-34 on Monday before falling 15-51 to the Pumas on Wednesday.
Prop Desmond Annandale has been ruled out after suffering a concussion in the opening game against Griquas Country Districts, but Murambiwa said the other 22 players should be available for selection as they had no serious injuries after Wednesday’s game.
Junior Sables: Samuel Garnett, Tinashe Chaza, Cleopas Kundiona, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Daniel Hutchings, Stuart Dodington(captain), Tichaona Hwangwa, Tendekai Chigwendere, Connor McMillan, Benjamin Meredith(backline captain), Tapiwa Marimira, Matthew McNab, Rodney Sachiti, Rangarirai Mariwa, Martin Mangongo, Marcus Nichole, Simbarashe Maringa, Godfrey Magaramombe, Jeremy Munyeza, Nqobisile Ncube, Peter Davis
Online Reporter