Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union have announced their final 23-men squad for Sunday’s crunch Africa Cup semi-final showdown against Kenya in Kampala, Uganda.
Matthew McNab has been slotted in at number 14, replacing Trevor Gurwe in the only change made to the starting XV.
Vice Captain Aiden Burnett has recovered from the illness that ruled him out of Tuesday’s opener. Burnett starts on the bench.
Former Ireland Under-20 international, Bruce Houston, who was recently cleared to play for Zimbabwe (qualifies through his mother) is inline to make his Sables debut.
The 26-year-old Union Sportive Bressane-France Nationale player starts on the bench as well. The silky Houston, plays flyhalf but also covers 12 and 15.
He previously played for Cornish Pirates, Ulster, and Edinburg.
A win for the Sables against the Simbas will take them one step closer to fulfilling their World Cup dream.
The Africa Cup serves as the direct qualifier to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia with only one spot up for grabs.
From their recent six meetings against Kenya, Zimbabwe have won three.
The other semifinal pits Namibia and last year’s runners-up Algeria.
The Sables match starts at 3 pm and is available for streaming on Rugby Africa Facebook and YouTube channels.
Sables Starting XV for Kenya clash:
Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura
Impact Players:
Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Aiden Burnett, Dylan Utete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston.
