adminLooking forward to the Sables defending their title as African champions sounded a bit too ridiculous following the withdrawal of at least 10 players and the main target had effectively changed from this to remaining in the World Cup qualifying Group 1A.
But the Sables’ 35-18 win over Madagascar in the second semi-final could as well have marked a turning point for Zimbabwe rugby.
Coming from 3-18 down to score 32 unanswered points, with 17 of them in the second half, was a demonstration of unique character, especially for a side that had five debutantes in the starting line-up and five more on the bench.
Cheetahs’ captain, Jacques Leitao, was handed over the captain’s armband for the national XVs side and his leadership skills surely came in handy.
Zimbabwe’s points came from Harare Sports Club fullback Lenience Tambwera, who top scored with 15 points from the boot made up of three conversions and three penalties while debutante flyhalf Boyd Rouse weighed in with a drop goal.
Flanker Leitao, hooker Keith Murray, centre Garth Ziegler, who was also making his first appearance in the Sables colours, and Sanele Sibanda all scored try apiece.
“I am feeling good about the way we played and the points I scored because I honestly believed we were going to take them on after our comeback from 18-3 to 18-10 by half time,” said Tambwera.
“The team performed very well, executed the game plan accordingly and it worked. I didn’t get a chance to watch the Kenyans playing but I strongly believe we will be able to take them on as well.”
Former Zimbabwe Under-20 eighthman/lock Biselele Tshamala, who was part of the Junior World Rugby Trophy in Russia three years ago, said their composure coupled with the second half changes won the game for the Sables
“I had a belief within myself that we were going to make it. Early in the game we just could not execute or put the final shove to get the points, but we were composed in the second half and we put them on the back foot right from kickoff.
“The substitutions were put on at the right time and made a huge difference,” said Tshamala.
Flanker Andrew Rose, who captained the 2007 Zimbabwe Under-19 side at the Junior World Cup in Ireland before appearing for Scotland Under-20, was also getting his debut cap for the Sables.
“Boys showed great maturity to come from behind and get the desired result, great team effort. great team win. We calmed down and played our rugby, it was great to get my debut and the win in such a huge game,” said Rose.
And now the Sables will take on Kenya on Sunday.
Sables Squad
Forwards: Daniel Nhepera, Tapiwa Mangezi, Piet Joubert, Jakov Jakov, Keith Murray, Simbarashe Mandioma, Sanele Sibanda, Jan Ferreira, Simba Bwanya, Martin Wolfenden, Jacques Leitao, Andrew Rose, Biselele Tshamala, Njabulo Ndlovu.
Backs: Phil Machisa, Kilvan Magunje, Boyd Rouse, Lenience Tambwera, Garth Ziegler, Shane Makombe, Steven Hunduza, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Craig Elcombe, Kudakwashe Chiwanza.
Online Reporter