Online Reporter
THE have named their match-day squad for the upcoming World Rugby Nations Cup fixture against the United States.
Tinotenda Mavesere has been named as captain for what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter on Sunday morning.
The Sables, who have been in intensive preparation for the tournament, will field a blend of experience and youth in the starting line-up, as they look to make a statement against a physical American side. Cleopas Kundiona is set to start for Zimbabwe against the USA this weekend, with the Sables facing the Eagles on Sunday morning (kick-off 1:30am Zimbabwean time).
Saints’ tighthead will earn a 17th cap for Zimbabwe in Charlotte, North Carolina, after coming off the bench in the side’s 26-36 opening round loss to Tonga last weekend.
In fact, there are a few changes to the side that played Tonga last weekend.
Liam Larkan, Aiden Burnett, Keegan Joubert and Matthew McNab start despite not being in the 23 last week.
Kundiona and Michael Kumbirai swap places, giving the Sables’ top two props starting places.
Kudzai Mashawi has been dropped and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi shifts inside to 12 with the young and talented Dion Khumalo starting.
Interesting that Takudzwa Musingwini is on the bench, despite only being listed in the squad as a non-travelling reserve.
The Sables will be looking for an immediate response after opening their campaign with a 36-26 defeat to Tonga.
Standing in their way is a confident United States side fresh off a dramatic 30-29 victory over Portugal.
With both teams eager to build momentum, the Sables will be aiming to fix their lineout woes and produce the clinical edge needed to claim a historic statement win on American soil.
Zimbabwe are heading into the fixture aiming to bounce back from opening loss to Tonga. The squad will be captained by Mavesere and features an exciting mix of youth and experience.
The USA team, on the other hand, enters the match following a hard-fought victory over Portugal. On paper, The Eagles, ranked 16th in the world, enters as the favourites against 25th-ranked Zimbabwe.
Sables Team
1. Victor Mupunga
2. Liam Larkan
3. Cleopas Kundiona
4. Gary Porter
5. Godfrey Muzanargwo
6. Tinotenda Mavesere (C)
7. Jason Fraser
8. Aiden Burnett
9 Keegan Joubert
10. Ian Prior
11. Edward Sigauke
12. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
13. Dion Khumalo
14. Matthew McNab
15. Tapiwa Mafura
IMPACT RESERVES
16. Matthew Mandioma
17. Tiide Visser
18. Michael Kumbirai
19. Tadiwanashe Gwashu
20. Simbarashe Siraha
21. Hilton Mudariki
22. Bruce Houston
23. Takudzwa Musingwini. —Agencies/Zimpapers Sports Hub
