Sables survive Korean scare

Zimpapers Sports Hub

South Korea…… (10) 22

Zimbabwe…… . . (17) 27

THE records will reflect that on November 16, 2024, the Zimbabwe rugby team scored a monumental victory over South Korea at the Incheon Stadium to end their year-long unbeaten run.

That very same run saw Zimbabwe also clinch the Africa Cup and included wins over teams like Zambia (twice), Namibia, Uganda, Algeria and a couple of local Select sides.

It also puts the team in good stead for the all-important 2025 Africa Cup tournament in Uganda, which will double as qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

While some of the opposition will be questioned, an unbeaten run is just that.

South Korea does offer an interesting case study for Piet Benade and his men.

And this is largely due to the fact that Zimbabwe survived, rather than outright beat South Korea like they have done to the opposition during the last 11 months.

And the match itself should offer the Sables gaffer a lot to ponder over as Zimbabwe wrapped up their Middle East and Asia tour and, most probably, action for the rest of the year.

Zimbabwe got on the scoreboard through a brace by Tino Masevere, a try by eighth-man Aiden Burnett, while flyhalf Ian Prior chipped in with two penalties and three conversions during the rain-soaked encounter in South Korea.

The homeside could only muster tries from Mun Jeong-ho (brace) and another by Lee Soo-Hyuk, while fullback Kim Ki Min chipped in with two conversions and a penalty.

Still, there were a lot of talking points, both positive and negative.

Zimbabwe still lack the killer instincts as the opening 20 minutes looked like the Sables were going to run rings around their Asian opponents.

The match began with the Sables asserting their dominance.

Prior, the ever-reliable flyhalf opened the scoring with a penalty conversion after just two minutes. Then a stunning counter-attack initiated by winger Edward Sigauke culminated in a try by Masevere, who darted through South Korea’s defence in the fifth minute.

Just five minutes later, the Sables struck again.

A driving maul near the South Korean try line saw Burnett crash over, extending the lead to 15-0.

Prior made no mistake with the conversion, putting the Sables in firm control.

Unfortunately, they did allow the homeside to crawl their way back into the game.

As the rain intensified, making conditions increasingly treacherous for both teams, handling errors and slippery surfaces disrupted the flow of the game for the Sables.

Once dominant, the Zimbabwe forwards then allowed the hosts to win all the battles in the scrum and line-outs.

Maybe Benade will do well to add a little meat to the team during the break.

All three of South Korea’s tries came through their forwards, who won most of the scrums, lineouts and rucks, all the while Zimbabwe conceded schoolboy penalties.

This allowed the hosts to stay within striking distance of Zimbabwe throughout the match and a lot of that has to do with their forwards bossing Zimbabwe’s own.

Their relentless attacks tested Zimbabwe’s defence, but the Sables held their ground at the end.

Benade was coy with his praise for the team after the match, preferring to look at the bigger picture.

“This has been a dream year for us,” he said.

“The players have shown incredible character, especially today in such challenging conditions.

“South Korea were excellent opponents, but our discipline and determination made the difference. To finish the year unbeaten is a testament to the hard work and unity of this group.”