Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
PIET BENADE has made six changes as Zimbabwe’s Sables face Tonga in their Nations Cup opener at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado in the US on Sunday morning.
The Nations Cup is a World Rugby second-tier tournament designed to give 2027 Rugby World Cup teams competitive game time.
Zimbabwe meet Tonga, who will be in Australia next year and in the same World Cup group with them.
Benade brought in Godfrey Muzanargwo, Ian Prior and Jason Fraser to start, while Michael Kumbirai shifts from the bench to the front row alongside Victor Mupunga and Matthew Mandioma.
Prior replaces Bruce Houston at fly-half. Muzanargwo and Fraser come into lock and No.8 while Tino “Blithe” Mavesera moves from No.8 to the blindside flank to add bulk against the Tongans.
“We were deliberate in choosing the squad, and we have faith in every single one of them, especially those that we have chosen for the opener against Tonga,” said Sables assistant coach Ricky Chirengende.
On the additions of Prior, Muzanargwo, Fraser, Cleopas Kundiona and Matthew McNab, Chirengende believes that their arrivals is a big boost for the team as they add a lot of value in terms of experience and exposure.
Zimbabwe Starting XV
Victor Mupunga, Matthew Mandioma, Michael Kumbirayi, Gary Porter, Tino Mavesere, Dylan Utete, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki, Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke
Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Trevor Gurwe, Tapiwa Mafura,
Impact players
Bryan Chaing, Tijde Visser, Cleopas Kundiona, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Tyrone Gombe, Bruce Houston, Dion Khumalo.
