Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
FOUR months after moving up the World Rugby rankings, the Zimbabwe senior men’s national rugby team climbed two places up to number 27 with a rating of 57,16 from 56,03 following a successful tour of the Middle East and Asia.
The Sables’ ascent comes in the wake of wins over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea last week.
The Sables’ recent success, which includes a flawless 7-0 record in Test matches, has brought them closer to their regional rivals, Namibia.
The Namibian dropped one place to number 26 and only 0,71 rating points separates them and the Sables.
A decisive 32-10 victory over Namibia in the Africa Cup semi-final was a pivotal moment in the Sables’ journey.
Sables head coach, Pieter Benade, said climbing up the rankings provides them opportunities to face tougher opponents. Benade added that they are looking at competing against teams ranked between 20 and 25.
Despite climbing up the rankings, their eyes remain focused on qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He believes that if they do things correctly, on and off the field, they will be able to book a ticket to the global showpiece.
“While we don’t place excessive importance on rankings, it’s undeniable that climbing the ladder provides us with valuable opportunities to face tougher opponents. The climb in rankings is an indication that we are trending in the right direction, and hopefully, we can start organising Test matches and competing with teams between 20 and 25,” said Benade.
“Our primary focus remains on achieving our long-term goal of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup, but it needs to be as a result of a process where we are doing things correctly both on and off the field.”
Teams in the 20-25 ranking bracket are Romania (20), Chile (21), Hong Kong (22), Canada (23), Netherlands (24) and Russia (25).
As the Sables return from a triumphant tour, they are poised to continue their upward momentum by building on their recent successes.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) president, Losson Mtongwiza, said they will ensure that they secure a ticket to Australia by any means.
“As a union, we would always want to play at the highest level. Resources permitting, we would like to play with teams ranked above us as often as we can. The goal is to ensure, by all means, that we secure World Cup status and that our local systems enjoy the trickle-down benefits accrued from that level,” said Mtongwiza.
With their sights firmly set on consistent progress, the Sables aim to inspire and unite the nation through their performances on the international stage.
Online Reporter