Junior Sables target strong finish

Tinashe Kusema

IT is funny what a difference a couple of days can make.

Only a week ago, Zimbabwe Under-20 rugby coach Shaun de Souza had the arduous task of lifting the morale of his charges, whose Junior World Trophy campaign appeared to be in tatters following back-to-back defeats to Scotland and Uruguay.

He had to ready them for the make-or-break tie against the United States (US).

The match has since come and gone, with Zimbabwe winning their third game in the Junior World Trophy history by edging the Americans 38-37.

It was also their first win in the competition since 2012. They twice came from behind after the Americans had raced into a 14-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes. The Junior Sables responded with a try from Simbarashe Kanyangarara, three penalties and a conversion from flyhalf Benoni Nhekairo. That saw them seize the initiative, as they went into the breather leading 16-14.

A few tactical challenges in the second period swung the pendulum in Zimbabwe’s favour.

Replacements Brendan Marume and Shadreck Mandaza both got on the scoresheet, with the former scoring a brace during a second-half blitz. Nhekairo added another penalty and conversion, after which Mandaza sealed a memorable win, when he converted his own try.

The significance of the result was that Zimbabwe avoided a basement finish and secured a fifth-place play-off against perennial rivals Kenya at Nyayo National Stadium today.

De Souza described the US tie as one for the archives.

“What a classic!

“The US have a very rich rugby history, invested a lot in the sport and clearly came in vying for a win,” he said.

“I think they counted us as a team they would get points off, but we had a plan and we are all excited that it worked.

“Now, we are looking forward to our next game against Kenya. Emotions and morale are high in camp.”

Yet the team had initially targeted a podium finish before being undone by a surprise 37-26 defeat by Uruguay.

“Looking at the upset Uruguay win, our target would have been achievable had we stayed composed and stuck to the plan against the South Americans (Uruguay).

“But, yeah, it is what it is.

“We came, we have learnt a lot, and, no matter what happens on Sunday (today), we can take pride in the fact that we have achieved a higher position and ranking in this tournament than we have managed in the past.”

For now, the Junior Sables have to contend with returning to the Barthes Trophy and try to qualify for next year’s Junior World Trophy.

After all, this is a tournament solely made up of continental champions. So far, the only team guaranteed a place in next year’s Junior World Trophy is Japan, who were relegated from the World Championship.

The winner of today’s final between Uruguay and Spain will be promoted to the Championship, while the loser remains in the Junior World Trophy. Before they can think of next year’s tourney, Zimbabwe will have to focus on finishing on a high today.

Having faced the Kenyans in the Barthes Trophy final, the team knows the tough task that awaits them.

“The personnel in the Kenyan team look very mature; they have been around in the game for some time and I am surprised we didn’t see some of them in April (Barthes Trophy),” said De Souza. They look more of a solid team . . . Kenya have improved their defensive system; the attack is now more astute and I think they are definitely ready.” While he believes his charges are up to the task at hand, the Junior Sables have a few injury worries.

Flanker Hagler Muchenje took a knock during the US game, while Gerry Zisengwe has a fever that has ruled him out of the match.

Skipper Panashe Zuze is still working his way back to fitness after getting injured in the first game against Scotland.

Tawanda Matipano, who usually operates at fullback, is also carrying a calf strain.

“The boys are currently going through a few gym sessions, while the injured players are being monitored closely by the medical team.

“We will have a report in the lead-up to Sunday’s match, after which we will make a decision on who has been cleared and who is fit to play.”