Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Tichawangana
Deputy Sports Editor
SHARKS forward Tinotenda “Blithe” Mavesere will captain the Sables for the first time when they face the USA in their second match of the World Rugby Nations Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday (01:30 CAT).
Mavesere takes over the captaincy from Hilton Mudariki, who moves to the bench.
This is one of six changes made by Sables coach Pieter Benade to the starting XV following last Saturday’s 36–26 loss to Tonga in Denver, Colorado.
Benade has opted for a reshuffled backline – Keegan Joubert replaces Mudariki at scrum-half, while Matthew McNab takes over from vice-captain Kudzai Mashawi at outside centre.
On the wing, Trevor Gurwe makes way for Dion Khumalo.
In the forward pack, Liam Larkan replaces Mathew Mandioma at hooker, and Aiden Burnett joins as eighth man. Jason Fraser shifts to flank, replacing Dylan Utete, who moves to the bench.
Rounding out the changes, Cleopas Kundiona replaces Michael Kumbirai in the front row.
The Sables will look to build on their positive second-half performance against Tonga when they take on the Eagles on home soil.
Sables starting XV vs USA.
1. Victor Mupunga 2. Liam Larkan 3. Cleopas Kundiona 4. Gary Porter 5. Godfrey Muzanargwo 6. Tinotenda Mavesere 7.Jason Fraser 8. Aiden Burnett 9. Keegan Joubert 10. Ian Prior 11. Edward Sigauke 12. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi 13. Matthew McNab 14. Dion Khumalo 15. Tapiwa Mafura.
Impact Players
16. Matthew Mandioma 17. Tijde Visser 18. Michael Kumbirai 19. Tadiwanashe Gwashu 20. Tadiwanashe Gwashu 21. Hilton Mudariki 22. Bruce Houston 23. Takudzwa Musimgwini
