Andrew
Sports Reporter
SABLES captain Hilton Mudariki feels the team have done enough to put up a solid show when they face Brazil for the first time in a lunch-time rugby encounter in Stellenbosch, South Africa, today.
The two teams haven’t played each other before, but the quadrangular tournament that has been arranged by Rugby Africa and World Rugby gives them an opportunity to test each other.
Sables’ perennial rivals Kenya and Namibia are the other teams in the tournament.
It is the kind of encounter both coach Brendan Dawson and skipper Mudariki would take on any day as the Sables look to fine-tune for the Africa Cup, which will be held in France next year.
It will also serve as the final 2023 World Cup qualifying competition for the continent’s teams.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union have not made a secret of the fact that they are prioritising qualification to the global showpiece.
Mudariki’s troops got some kind of reality check on their preparedness when they played the Toyota Cheetahs in a practice match in Bloemfontein.
On their part, the Cheetahs were warming up for their Toyota Challenge tournament showdown with the DHL Stormers.
“The game against Cheetahs was exactly what we needed before going into these internationals that are coming up.
“We knew that the Cheetahs’ one was going to be a tough game. They have been together for a while, they are currently at the end of pre-season and going to a tournament, so we knew it was going to be tough.
“We knew they were going to come out hard at us at set pieces, which they did,’’ Mudariki said.
The Sables skipper said they had drawn a number of positives despite being on the wrong end of a 78-7 scoreline.
“We went and looked at the video and looked at the mistakes that we made, and things that needed to be corrected. Credit to the guys for all the hard work they have put in this week (last week).
“The forwards have gone away and really worked hard on their set pieces, the scrum and lineout, so now we are very excited.
“It is also good to have the rest of our squad and everyone is pushing for a position and now trying to make the coachs’ job tough in terms of selection,’’ he said.
Although it was their first date with the Brazilians, there was an air of excitement among his troops.
Dawson, who is seeking to make history by becoming the first man to represent Zimbabwe at the World Cup both as player and coach, also spoke of the significance of using these games to prepare for the Africa Cup.
The former Sables skipper said he was happy that the Cheetahs had helped them identify some of the areas his side need to fix.
“I was very happy with what happened at the Cheetahs game. It was not a results-driven match . . . we went out there to practice a lot of our plays, what we want to achieve against the Brazilians,” he said.
“Obviously not everything went our way, we struggled in certain areas, but I was happy with the outcome of certain areas, and we can work on a lot of work-ons that we can get right against Brazil.
“Brazil are ranked 26th in the world and we are 35th, so it is going to be a big contest.
“But the guys are ready, guys are confident they can go and take on Brazil, put a correct performance and take the game to the Brazilians and beat them.
“We are confident in our structures, our plays and in what we want to do.”
Zimbabwe Team
Tyran Fagan, Royal Mwale, Cleopas Kundiona, Sean Beevor, George Saungweme, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Biselele Tshamala, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Dudley White-Sharpley, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Riaan O’ Neill, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Tapiwa Mafura.
Substitutes: Dean Makoni, Victor Mapunga, Bornwell Gwinji, Godwin Mangenje, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Keith Chiwara, Shingi Katsvere, Aiden Burnett
Online Reporter