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Brandon Moyo in BULAWAYO
SABLES coach Piet Benade is wary of the threat that Namibia pose in a 2024 Rugby Africa Cup semi-final at the Mutesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, today.
The tie looks a mammoth assignment for Zimbabwe as the Welwitschias are the defending champions.
On Saturday the Sables booked themselves a place in the semi-final after edging the hosts 22-20 in hard-fought victory.
Zimbabwe are facing a team that took part in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The Namibians go into the match as favourites.
Coach Benade has conceded that their opponents are no pushovers.
In an interview with online publication SportsCast in Kampala, Benade believes that their opponents have had more exposure as they have played more Test matches, which gives them a psychological edge.
“Only months ago they (Namibia) were playing the likes of the All Blacks and France in a World Cup, so they are well prepared and battle-hardened at this level.
“So, it will be a big job to match their intensity and accuracy at Test level.
“However, we are confident we can put on a good show against our regional rivals and mount a tough fight for a spot in the final,” said Benade.
He also expects a game of set-pieces and discipline.
The on-going Rugby Africa Cup serves as the first step towards qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Namibians have enjoyed success in the tournament, being the only side to qualify from the tourney since 1999.
The Sables have only won the continental championship once and will be hoping to book their first ticket to the global showpiece since 1991.
Should the Sables win against the Welwitschias, they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Kenya and Algeria.
In the case of defeat, it will not be the end of the road as they will play in the third place play-off match against the loser of the other semi-final.
In their opening match against Uganda on Saturday, Benade’s men survived a second-half onslaught to hang on to a narrow victory.
The Sables went into the halftime break with a comfortable 22-0 lead before Uganda came back a different side in the second-half, scoring 20 points.
Edward Sigauke, Takudzwa Musingwini and Takudzwa Mashawi were the three players who managed to score the tries against Uganda.
Online Reporter