Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE coach Piet Benade was pleased with his team’s blistering start to their Rugby Africa Cup title defence but has warned that their semi-final opponents, Kenya, will be a much tougher proposition.
Benade saw his men power to a 43-8 victory over Morocco in a quarter-final clash at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, but acknowledged that they had a “rusty start” due to the wet conditions.
In other quarter-final matches, Algeria made light work of Cote d’Ivoire thumping the West Africans 41-6, Namibia then followed up the trend with a 55-7 triumph over Senegal before Kenya narrowly edged hosts and neighbours Uganda 32-24 in an East African derby which was the day’s main attraction.
It is, however, not the end of the road for the losing sides — Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, hosts Uganda and Senegal — as the four nations still have placement games to play.
The Sables’ statement win over Morocco left Benade a satisfied man and his troops well on course for their mission in Uganda.
He also praised veteran flyhalf Ian Prior’s performance, saying he has been a key member of the team.
But it is the threat posed by Kenya in their semi-final assignment on Sunday that Benade is well aware of.
The Sables coach warned that Kenya will be a tougher opponent, with big athletic men and great playmakers.
While Zimbabwe’s performance has gone a long way to lift the spirits of many back home, Benade has had a rather sedated response to his team’s effort.
“A bit of a rusty start in tough conditions but the boys settled into their work nicely and, fortunately, came away with a decent performance and result,” said Benade.
“After not having played as a group for a while, it always leaves slight concerns but the training camp and time together in the build-up proved to be enough to get the ball rolling right.
“So, we are extremely pleased to have got the win and earn the opportunity to play in the semi-finals against Kenya,” he said.
Zimbabwe had a rough go at it as Tuesday’s early morning rains proved to be the biggest stumbling block for both the Sables and their opponents Morocco.
The wet conditions neutralised Morocco set-piece oriented style and nullified Zimbabwe’s running game.
The result was a match that mainly centred around gaining territory.
Zimbabwe, however, managed to adapt quicker and easier to the conditions on the pitch and soon had their foot-print on the encounter.
Tries from Tapiwa Mafura, Edward Sigauke, Dylan Utete and Trevor Gurwe set the Sables on a solid platform for their win in this knock-out encounter.
Prior was on hand to offer precision with his boot.
The 33-year-old flyhalf was also instrumental in that win and chipped in with five penalties and four conversions.
Benade added that training and playing in the local summer conditions had also helped prepare the Sables for the kind of weather that greeted them in Kampala on Tuesday morning.
“In Harare we had a few summer games, early in the season, so we are actually getting used to playing or training in wet conditions,” said Benade, in response to the rains that dogged the game’s first half.
“We try to prepare for all conditions but, of course, handling the ball becomes difficult when the ball is slippery.
“As a result, getting the ball to our outside backs was initially a challenge.
“Fortunately, our line-out and scrum were in good shape and it was great to be able to fall back on that when required.
He said Prior’s fine show in midfield was not much of a surprise to him.
“Ian (Prior) has been one of the key members of the Sables and has been a great addition to us.
“Along with a few other stand-out performers, we are very fortunate to have their talent on the field showing what our country can produce’’.
Up next are Kenya and as had been widely expected, the entire Sables camp got the chance to watch the Simbas in action against Uganda.
“Kenya will be a massive challenge for us. We know from last year that beating Uganda here at home is very difficult.
“They have big athletic men and a few great playmakers.
“So, we will need to be at our very best to compete with them,” Benade said.
