Andrew
Online Reporter
SABLES forward Aiden Burnett is set to miss Wednesday’s Rugby Africa Cup semi-final clash against Namibia after Zimbabwe failed to have his red card and suspension rescinded, The Sunday Mail Online has learnt.
According to the semi-final team sheets released by World Rugby on Wednesday, Burnett was the biggest omission from the squad that beat Ivory Coast 38-11 during last weekend’s quarter-finals.
The Bishop’s Stortford forward came on as a late replacement during the Ivory Coast game, only to score one of Zimbabwe’s five tries and then get involved in an after-the-whistle scuffle with opposition flanker Eugene Nzi.
The two were duly shown their marching orders.
Burnett’s absence notwithstanding, Zimbabwe go into their semi-final clash against Namibia with a slightly changed starting XV.
The front row pairing of Tyran Fagan, Matthew Mandioma and Cleopas Kundiona come in for Victor Mupunga, Liam Larkan and Bornwell Gwinji, while the other notable change sees Tapiwa Tsomondo come in for Kelvin Kanenungo at right flank.
Zimbabwe and Namibia meet in an all-important clash, with the winner proceeding to Sunday’s final where they will meet the victors of the Kenya and Algeria match.
Sables Starting XV
Tyran Fagan, Cleopas Kundiona, Matthew Mandioma, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Nyasha Tarusenga, Hilton Mudariki (Cpt), Marcus Nel, Shingi Katsvere, Taku Chieza, Matthew McNab, Shayne Makombe, Tapiwa Mafura
Replacements
Victor Mupunga, Liam Larkan, Bornwell Gwinji, Godwin Mangenje, Kelvin Kanenungo, Kyle Galloway, Takudzwa Musingwini, Ngoni Chibuwe
Online Reporter