Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union have announced the 23-man squad that will do duty against Namibia in the all-important Africa Cup final in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday.
The Sables have made one change to the starting XV that edged Kenya in the semi-finals on Sunday.
Godfrey Muzanargwo has been moved to second row, replacing the injured Kudakwashe “Goofy” Nyakufaringwa at lock while Dylan Utete has been roped in to start on the blind side at number seven.
Tadiwa Gwashu has been added to the side as an impact player. Bruce Houston, who also starts from the bench is in line to make his Sables debut.
The rest of the team that beat Kenya, in the semi-finals remains unchanged.
The winner between Zimbabwe and Namibia will secure the solitary spot to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
At last year’s Africa, history was made when the Sables beat the Welwitschias 32-10 in the semi-finals, their first win over their regional rivals in 23 years.
The loser of Saturday’s final will still have a shot via the global repêchage, but the Sables know exactly what’s in front of them.
Zimbabwe were the first African team to play at the World Cup, doing so in 1987 and 1991, the tournament that’s since became their last at rugby’s biggest stage.
The match starts at 3pm and is available for streaming on the Rugby Africa (Rugby Afrique) Facebook and Youtube pages.
Sables Starting XV:
Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Dylan Utete, 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, Tadiwa Gwashu, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston.
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