Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
THE Sables fans are saluting their team despite a 22-36 defeat in their Nations Rugby match against Tonga in Colorado, United States, on Saturday.
The team said lessons have been picked from that defeat against the islanders.
“The first chapter of our Nations Cup 2026 campaign is complete. While the result wasn’t the one we wanted, there were plenty of lessons, moments of resilience, and opportunities to grow as a team,” the Sables said.
“Thank you to every supporter who has backed the team, whether in the stands, from home, or from around the world.
“Your support does not go unnoticed and continues to drive us forward. Three games. One mission. The journey continues.
And, many of their fans have been praising the team for its hearty performance.
Here are some of their comments:
Slowly but surely, we are finding our way onto the right path. These are exactly the opportunities we needed, to test ourselves, to learn, and to grow in the real competitive arena. Yes, we may stumble here and there, but that is part of the journey. This is the story of the underdog: rising, adjusting, believing, and refusing to disappear. Perseverance, persistence, courage, and innovation will always favour true warriors. I am proud to witness these moments, and even more proud to be living in such monumental times for our rugby. – Kuda Motsi
*****
You should all be very proud of yourselves as you have achieved so much and can achieve even more, just keep on believing in your achievements and keep doing what you are doing, the country will be proud of your success thus far. Well done to you all it was an incredible performance yesterday. Stay positive enjoy your rest today, get back on it tomorrow and train hard. Looking forward to watching you guys against USA and CANADA. — Michael Green
*****
Remember guys we only got together just recently so to go out and do what we did was great and we must work on our game mistakes.
I think fitness is lacking because the moment we get tired we lose focus, let the ball do the work, the forwards were great, the backs need the ball when we had it we were dangerous, great game, let’s move on to the next one all the best very proud of you guys. —Troy Fagan
*****
To be frank srcum half who came second half got the ball rolling with pace to the backs which changed the game very fast, the team must feed our speedsters the ball, we all saw what they can do. It was a good game I believe we can go far. GO SABLES. —Munya Comfort
*****
That was a good start, however, lineouts we missed lots of opportunities with them, second phase of the game it was good, the second scrum half was good, we need to utilise our backs more when paying teams like Tonga. —Kudakwashe Mudanda
*****
Zimbabwe fall to much higher ranked Tonga 36-26 after an incredible battle in Colorado. This team is going to go big places. — Adam Theo
*****
What a performance from @SablesRugbyZW against a much higher ranked opponent. The future is definitely bright. —M-Jay
*****
Respectable result. Most Tongan players play in New Zealand or Australia league. — @Chaguta7610
*****
Incredible grit. Temerity to take the lead, impressive. — Phil Mutonhodza
*****
Spirited team. I’m proud. — Pastor Kanhengo
*****
Such a fun watch. Me and my Dad loved seeing them in person!—TheNandosRugbyFanatic
