SABLES EYE SOUTH KOREA SCALP

Brandon Moyo

THE Sables are set to officially conclude their end-of-year Middle East/Asia tour when they face South Korea in a Test match on Saturday.

The Sables arrived in South Korea last week and have been holding training camps in preparation for their battle against the hosts.

The match will be played at Namdong Asiad Rugby Field.

Zimbabwe and South Korea held a joint training session in what is termed the 2024 Dream Together Training Programme.

The tour is part of the Sables’ preparations for next year’s Africa Cup, which serves as the direct qualifier to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. They began their tour with an impressive performance against the United Arab Emirates last week in Dubai.

The Sables secured a dominant 62-22 victory.

Edward Sigauke was the stand-out player, scoring a hat-trick and making a significant impact.

The Sables showcased a comprehensive team display, with team captain Hilton Mudariki also contributing two tries.

Zimbabwe asserted their dominance early, with veteran flyhalf Ian Prior opening the scoring with a penalty in the first few minutes.

The forwards quickly established control, leading to a penalty try in the 10th minute due to repeated infringements from the UAE.

Godfrey Muzanarwgo added another try, benefiting from a slick assist by debutant Munashe Mhere, further emphasising Zimbabwe’s fluid attacking play.

Mudariki, marking his 49th cap for Zimbabwe, scored next, demonstrating his leadership by powering over the line under pressure.

Sigauke’s hat-trick showcased his finishing ability, with each try highlighting his pace and timing as he exploited gaps in the UAE defence.

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union on Monday evening mourned the death of former Sables coach Nick Tambling.

“The Zimbabwe Rugby Union board and executive would like to express its sincere condolences to the Tambling family on the passing on of Mr Nick Tambling.

“The rugby fraternity has lost a man who contributed significantly to the development of rugby as the Zimbabwe U-21 Head Coach and the Zimbabwe Sables Head Coach.

“His contributions will forever be cherished at the union and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Tambling family in this difficult time,” read the statement from the ZRU.