adminMehluli Sibanda in Stellenbosch, S. Africa
THE Old Mutual Junior Sables go into their last match at the Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week schoolboy rugby tournament against Namibia at the Paul Roos Gymnasium here this morning keen to avoid returning home without a win. In 2014, the Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa-mentored boys lost all the three matches they played in the annual competition and it is something the Class of 2015 would want to avoid.
The Junior Sables have put up brilliant first half displays in the two matches they have played so far only to fade later on in the match.
Against Griquas Country Districts in the first contest played on Tuesday, Zimbabwe led their opponents for the better part of the encounter but gave it all away with a few minutes remaining to lose 17-12.
When they played Eastern Province two days later, the Brian “Beast” Muntanga captained side raced to a 15-0 lead which they failed to preserve and the match ended 51-20 in favour of EP Country Districts.
With two defeats from the same number of matches played, the Junior Sables are now targeting a victory over Namibia to end the Craven Week on a bright note.
Murambiwa disclosed that there were a number of players are carrying injuries after two tough battles. Some of those are winger Russell Dinha, lock Kevin Chisango, prop Liam Kenny and hooker Tinotenda Msasanure.
The coach said the players were still to be assessed last night to determine if they could take up their places on the bench.
Skipper Muntanga, a substitute against EP Country Districts returns to the starting line to make up the front row with Samuel Garnett and Cleopas Kundiona. Levi Fargnoli locks the scrum together with Tinashe Muchena while the loose trio remains unchanged made up of Stuart Dodington, Cuan Zeederberg and Aiden Burnett. Ernest Mudzengerere keeps the number nine position to make up a halfback pairing with Benjamin Meredith. Jordan Zietsman starts at inside centre where he has Shingirai Katsevere on his outside. Outside backs are Tinotenda Vheriwa, Sam Phiri on the wings and Tarisai Mapfumo at fullback.
Murambiwa declared that they want to beat Namibia but is well aware that is not going to be an easy task.
The Zimbabwe Under-16 gave the Under-18s a challenge when they defeated their Namibian counterparts 21-7 at the Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week in Oudtshoorn early this month.
Namibia defeated Border Country Districts 38-14 on Monday before they were beaten 43-17 by Free State on Wednesday.
Old Mutual Junior Sables to play against Namibia
Starting line up: Samuel Garnet, Brian Muntanga (captain), Cleopas Kundiona, Levi Fargnoli, Tinashe Muchena, Stuart Dodington, Cuan Zeederberg, Aiden Burnett, Ernest Mudzengerere, Benjamin Meredith, Tinotenda Vheriwa, Jordan Zietsman, Shingirai Katsvere, Sam Phiri, Tarisai Mapfumo (vice-captain)
Replacements: Tinotenda Msasanure, Ackim Sibanda, Liam Kenny, Kevin Chisango, Campbell Nyakudya, Russell Dinha, Martin Mangongo
Coach: Godwin Murambiwa
Assistant coach: Graham Kaulback
Team Manager: Tungamirai Mashungu
Director of Rugby: Brighton Chivandire
Online Reporter