Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Sables face their toughest test of the year when they take on South Africa A at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium today.
Kick-off is 12 noon.
The match is the Sables’ final hit-out before next month’s World Rugby Nations Cup, where they mark their debut with a clash against World Cup opponents Tonga.
Coach Piet Benade said the focus is on performance rather than the result.
“We always go out to win matches, but today it’s about showing fight and resilience against opponents we’ve never faced before,” Benade said.
“The boys have earned the right to play a team like South Africa A. Now it’s our responsibility to prepare them as well as possible. We want to put on a positive show and tick a few boxes before Nations Cup.”
Benade named DHL Stormers lock Gary Porter for his Sables debut.
The 29-year-old starts in the second row alongside Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa.
Veteran Hilton Mudariki captains the side from scrumhalf.
Tino Mavesere starts at number eight ahead of Aiden Burnett, who drops to the bench. The rest of the pack includes Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Bornwell Gwinji, Simba Siraha and Dylan Utete.
In the backs, Bruce Houston starts at flyhalf with Kudzai Mashawi and Brendan Mudzekenyedzi in midfield.
Tapiwa Mafura is at fullback, with Trevor Gurwe and Edward Sigauke on the wings.
There was no space, however, for young upstart Tatenda Kamubvumbi who failed to make the matchday squad completely, but remains in Benade’s plans in the long-term. Zimbabwe’s build up to today’s showcase has been a mixed bag.
For what the Sables have lacked in competitive game time, they have made up for with plenty of camps which Benade and his captain Mudariki have coined “productive outings” on numerous occasions.
Benade said the squad had made the most of limited game time through some intensive camps.
“Just to see if the camaraderie and the brotherhood that was formed over the last two years is still there is important for us as coaches. You want to see if that stuff is all in place, and certainly it is.
“We have had a few new guys come into camp, and they have integrated themselves nicely. Now, we are just looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.
“We know it will be tough, but I think we are looking at it as an opportunity to grow and to test ourselves again,” he said.
South Africa A coach Mzwandile Stick named five capped Springboks, including captain Vincent Tshituka, Lukhanyo Am, Phepsi Buthelezi, Neethling Fouche and Boan Venter.
Benade said facing a forward pack with six or seven established Springboks would give the Sables a taste of the physicality expected against Tonga.
“We need to test ourselves against the best,” he said.
The matchday squad includes several of South Africa‘s up-and-coming stars including some South Africa Under-20 players who will be representing their country at the Junior World Championship in Georgia later this month.
Among those is highly-rated centre Markus Muller, who will partner Am in the midfield, as well as exciting fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed, who will form a halfback partnership with Lions star Haashim Pead.
Sables XV: Tapiwa Mafura, 14. Trevor Gurwe, 13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, 12. Kudzai Mashawi, 11. Ed Sigauke, 10. Bruce Houston, 9. Hilton Mudariki (c), 8. Tino Mavesere, 7. Dylan Utete, 6. Simba Siraha, 5. Gary Porter, 4. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 3. Bornwell Gwinji, 2. Simba Mandioma, 1. Victor Mupunga.
Replacements: Liam Larkan, Tjde Visser, Michael Kumbirai, Dan Cooke, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Aiden Burnett, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo.
