adminPaul Munyuki Harare Bureau
RUSSIA Bears rugby coach Raphael San Andre says he was surprised to see that Zimbabwe oozes with talent after watching recordings of the Sables’ matches at the Africa Cup.
Zimbabwe finished second in the competition eventually won by Namibia on the final day to miss the automatic ticket for next year’s Rugby World Cup set for England.
The Sables take on Russia in Siberia tomorrow — a match that the Krasnoyarsk media has described as “the most awaited summer event for rugby”.
Andre, a Frenchman, named his starting XV yesterday that includes the experienced front row trio of brothers Gregory Tsnobiladze (loose-head prop), Valery Tsnobiladze (hooker) and tight-head prop Andrew Igrets. “I watched the last three games of the Africans and I was surprised with their good level (of rugby),” said Andre.
“From the team Zimbabwe brought here, they have seven rugby players based in South Africa, two more in England. Therefore, the level of the team is very high.
“Their style of play is similar to the South Africans. It is important that we do not relax and We should be ready and focused. We have no injuries in the team, so we are with fresh forces preparing for the meeting. Everyone in Russia believes that in the final game of the qualifying tournament Russia will join Uruguay, but it is rugby – and anything can happen.
“We first need to beat Zimbabwe. Hopefully, Krasnoyarsk will help us in this mission as it is the capital of the Russian rugby and we expect a serious fight.”
Zimbabwe captain Daniel Hondo says they are not taking the assignment lightly either.
“It will be a tough game but we will give it our best. I also want to take this opportunity to remind Zimbabwe and the rugby family that we are going out for a very tough assignment and we would like them to rally behind us. Qualifying for the World Cup will not only mean much to us only but it will also signal a new era in Southern Africa as we will now have three teams at the World Cup,” said Hondo.
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