Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
JASON ROBERTSON and Dale Lemon are in line for Sables debuts when Zimbabwe meet Samoa at the DIY Kitchens Stadium tomorrow.
The two are part of Zimbabwe head coach Piet Benade’s technical and personnel changes for the Sables’ return to the World Rugby Nations Cup in the United Kingdom.
Zimbabwe are set to play three key fixtures — including Uruguay and Chile — with the November window allowing the Sables yet another opportunity to test themselves against international opposition as preparations continue towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Benade has selected a squad combining established international experience with players looking to make their mark on the international stage.
The selection features a strong forward contingent, with Benade opting for the front row pairing of Victor Mupunga, Liam Larkan and Cleopas Kundiona.
Debutant Lemon, Gary Porter, Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo and eighth-man Aiden Burnett complete his starting forward pack.
There was, however, no room in the starting XV for Simba Mandioma, Tijde Visser, Bornwell Gwinji, Daniel Cooke and Tadiwanashe Gwashu, who will have to contend with a place on the bench for the crunch tie.
Benade has also tinkered around with his back-line in a bid to accommodate the other debutant, Robertson.
The US-based star will occupy the fullback position, with Tapiwa Mafura being moved to the right wing while Harlequins’ new signing, Edward Sigauke, operates on the left.
Sables skipper Hilton Mudariki walks straight into the starting line-up, at his favourite scrum-half position, after recovering on time from a grade two tear on his calf.
Mudariki failed to finish the match against the US and completely missed out on the Canada game during the July window.
Zimbabwe lost both matches, going down 32-15 to the US and 21-19 to their neighbours, Canada.
The Zimbabwe captain then made his official return to competitive rugby during the Sables’ 36-33 win over Namibia, scoring a try on his comeback last month.
Completing the starting line-up for the Samoa game is Ian Prior at the flyhalf position, while the duo of Kudzi Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi occupy the centre pairing.
The Sables have a huge task ahead of them as they take on a new-look Samoan side that has been bolstered by the addition of three former New Zealand All Blacks internationals. The formidable Manu Samoa outfit arrive in the November window with considerable international pedigree, largely due to the addition of said internationals, namely Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane, Etene Nanai-Seturo and Shaun Stevenson.
Zimbabwe Starting XV
1. Victor Mupunga
2. Liam Larkan
3. Cleopas Kundiona
4. Dale Lemon
5. Gary Porter
6. Tinotenda Mavesere
7. Godfrey Muzanargwo
8. Aiden Burnett
9. Hilton Mudariki
10. Ian Prior
11. Edward Sigauke
12. Kudzi Mashawi
13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
14. Tapiwa Mafura
15. Jason Robertson
Replacements
16. Simba Mandioma
17. Tijde Visser
18. Bornwell Gwinji
19. Daniel Cooke
20. Tadiwanashe Gwashu
21. Bruce Houston
22. Tyrone Gombe
23. Dion Khumalo
