Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimbabwe (5) 26 – (19) 36 Tonga
EDWARD Sigauke yesterday reminded the rugby world why he is regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most exciting talents, producing a dazzling display as the Sables launched their World Rugby Nations Cup campaign against Tonga at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Colorado, United States.
The dynamic winger delivered a series of electrifying runs that helped inspire a spirited Zimbabwe comeback, but the Sables ultimately fell short as Tonga held on for a hard-fought 36-26 victory.
Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe can take plenty of positives from a highly competitive performance against a more experienced Pacific Island side, particularly with the two teams set to meet again at the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.
Zimbabwe have been drawn in the same pool as Tonga, Wales and group favourites England at the 2027 global showpiece.
But that challenge lies ahead.
For now, the focus remains firmly on the World Rugby Nations Cup, and Pool F is already shaping up as one of the most competitive groups of the tournament after a series of thrilling encounters and high-scoring matches.
Zimbabwe and Tonga opened the pool campaign with a tense and closely contested affair, with both teams producing resolute defence in a scoreless opening 23 minutes.
Tonga eventually broke the deadlock through tries by Telusa Veainu and Fatongia Paea.
Fly-half Patrick Pellegrini added two conversions to keep the Islanders in control.
Zimbabwe responded through a try by Matthew Mandioma, although Ian Prior was unable to add the conversion, leaving Tonga with a 19-5 lead at half-time.
Whatever was said by Coach Piet Benade during the interval had the desired effect as the Sables emerged for the second half looking transformed.
The second half belonged to one man — Edward Sigauke.
The 22-year-old winger tormented the Tongan defence every time he touched the ball, first producing a brilliant break before setting up Blithe Mavesere for a crucial try.
Moments later, following an intelligent dummy by Matthew Mandioma, Sigauke received the ball in space and raced over the tryline to cap a memorable individual performance.
In between those scores, Godfrey Muzanargwo crossed over in the corner for another outstanding try, while Prior successfully converted all three second-half tries to hand Zimbabwe a surprising 26-19 lead.
Tonga’s troubles deepened when Pellegrini was shown a yellow card and sent to the sin bin, giving Zimbabwe both momentum and a numerical advantage with time running out.
However, the Islanders showed their class and experience when it mattered most. Tries from Semisi Paea and substitute Sekope Lopeti Moli turned the match back in Tonga’s favour.
With Pellegrini temporarily off the field, fullback William Havili assumed the kicking duties and successfully converted both tries to restore Tonga’s lead.
Pellegrini later returned and extended his side’s advantage with a late penalty that effectively ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of a comeback.
Speaking after the match, Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua admitted his side had been pushed all the way.
“We are happy to get the win. We knew Zimbabwe were going to come at us hard and the yellow cards cost us but talked about as a team and we are happy we managed to regroup and get the win,” he said.
His opposite number and Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki said the Sables would take encouragement from their performance despite the result.
“However, I am very proud of the boys, they showed great resilience. It is just unfortunate that we couldn’t get over the line. However, many lessons and positives for us here to carry into the next game,” he said.
In the other Pool F matches, the United States edged Portugal 30-29 in another thrilling contest, while Canada and Spain played out an entertaining 42-42 draw.
Zimbabwe return to action on Saturday against the United States before concluding their opening round fixtures with a clash against Canada on July 18.
