Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE first chapter of the World Rugby Nations Cup is done, but for Sables vice-captain Kudzi Mashawi, the lessons will last a lifetime.
Zimbabwe went win-less in the North American leg, losing to Tonga 36-26, US 31-15, and Canada 23-19.
But for Mashawi, it was less about results and more about the step up in intensity.
“I think, for the most part, our tours have had less pressure as we operated at a smaller stage than what we saw during the Nations Cup,” said Mashawi.
“The amount of training that we put in, the number of team meetings, and the technical stuff we had to ingest just to make sure that everything was on point and everyone knew what was expected, so we could hold each other accountable, is something else.
“I think this was the biggest part of this tour, because obviously playing against teams like Tonga and Canada — who have seasoned players plying their trade in Super Rugby — and then seeing how the boys stepped up, it was something to emulate and be proud of,” he said.
Mashawi was proud of how the Sables did not shy away from the moment but rather stepped up and competed.
The scoreboard, however, did reflect their shift as they lost all three games.
Resultantly, Zimbabwe anchor their Europe/Asia/Africa group with just two bonus points from their matches.
Georgia currently top the group with 14 points, while Portugal are two points adrift in second place. Spain and Romania are both tied on nine points, while Hong Kong (5) and Zimbabwe complete the standings.
According to the tournament format, the teams from one group play those from the adjacent pool.
The US topped the corresponding group with 14 points, while Chile are second with 10 points.
Samoa, Tonga, Canada, and Uruguay wrap up the log standings, and they are all tied on seven points.
For Mashawi and the rest of the Sables ensemble, the North American leg of the tournament was more of a fact-finding excursion rather than a result-oriented trip.
Sables coach Piet Benade rang many changes during the trip, making sure every player got some game time.
It was more about trying out combinations and giving players a chance to prove their worth.
However, unexpectedly, Mashawi got a little more than he bargained for.
He was pleasantly surprised by how his teammates and the team stepped up to the challenge, winning over both fans and their opponents, and he believes they can bounce back.
Canada captain, Andrew Quattrin, was one of the opponents who was impressed by the Sables’ effort.
“We stepped up, and we competed.
“Unfortunately, the scores did not go our way, as we let ourselves down in a few crucial moments and could have easily come back with a win or two had things gone our way.
“However, the entire tournament was a really good opportunity to showcase our talent, put in the work, and remind ourselves of the reason why we play this sport.
“The fact that we matched up to professional set-ups is good, and I think we also made an impression on some of our opponents.
“They were also proud of what we have achieved — qualifying for the World Cup — and the effort we put in as newbies on this stage, the Nations Cup.
“They were quite proud of how we gave them a run for their money,” he said.
On his duel with the Canadian skipper, Mashawi added: “I kind of had a little battle going with the Canadian captain during the last game.
“We would chat during the match.
“When I made a good run or carry against him, he would take me down and say, “Good run.”
“I would tell him it was a good stop.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get to really talk after the match because, obviously, the game finished very late due to the stoppage.
“I enjoyed playing against the guy, and he is a good guy.
“To have people like him coming to us and shaking our hands to say ‘well done’ and respecting you for what you do is something that we will carry with us for a very long time,” he said.
The Sables are currently on a short break before they return to action and begin their preparations for the November window of the tournament. They have dates against Uruguay, Samoa, and Chile waiting for them.
And Mashawi is confident that they will put on a better showing.
