Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SABLES forward Dale Lemon has been ruled out of next month’s World Rugby Nations Cup after suffering a hamstring injury in the build-up to this past weekend’s match against South Africa A.
The Hartpury forward has since flown back to the United Kingdom with his return date still up in the air.
“Dale (Lemon), our lock is unfortunately needing to return home to England after sustaining a hamstring injury in the build-up to SA A,” said Sables coach Piet Benade.
“Dale has been a great addition to our squad, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is back to full fitness,” he said.
Zimbabwe, of course, went on to lose their highly-touted and historic match against South Africa A 40-0 as the hosts put six tries past the Sables.
South Africa A got on the scoreboard through tries from Yaqeen Ahmed, Markus Muller, Haashim Pead, Ni-co Steyn, Oman Khan and Jaco Williams.
Ahmed chipped in with three conversions while fullback Luan Giliomee added two more.
The Sables also received a scare after fullback Tapiwa Mafura took a nasty fall courtesy of a dangerous tackle from South Africa A flyhalf, Ahmed.
Ahmed was first yellow-carded by match referee Aimee Barrett-Theron before his offence was later elevated to a red after consultation from the TMO, Marius Jonker, forcing South Africa A to finish the final 13 minutes of the game with only 14 men.
Benade has since also given an update on Mafura, who has been cleared and remains in contention for a place in the Nations Cup squad.
Benade is expected to name his Nations Cup squad tomorrow night, with the team expected to depart for the United States of America on June 28.
“We do not have any other big injuries, as Tapiwa Mafura has since been cleared of concussion, despite the nasty fall.
“He will be just fine,” said Benade.
The Zimbabwe Sables coach remains unmoved by the defeat as he opts to concentrate on the positives and lessons learnt from the encounter.
“It was a great occasion for the group and amazing to have our nations’ colours alongside the springbok brand,” said Benade.
“I think we can take a lot of confidence out of the performance.
“Playing against a high-quality professional side was always going to test us, and the speed and accuracy of the South Africans was evident and was always going to be a challenge.
“However, I thought we performed well in set-piece, scrums and line-outs, under the circumstances, while we were able to make it a physical contest without being overwhelmed.
“There are a lot of improvements to make, but a lot more positives than negatives,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Sables camp has taken the defeat in their stride and hope to work on a few touch-ups before their Nations Cup opener against Tonga on July 4.
“I felt we actually found our footing in the game in the second half, which showed a lot of resilience and adaptation from our side,” said Benade.
Benade did, however, laud his forwards who worked themselves to a standstill during the match.
“The scrum in general was something that stood out and will give us confidence moving forward,” he said.
“In the backs, Mudzekenyedzi (Brendon) and Mafura showed glimpses of their class.
“So, going into the Nations Cup, those are good signs,” he said.
With the match on the back burner, attention now shifts to the Nations Cup.
Zimbabwe open up their Nations Cup campaign on July 4 against Tonga before dates against hosts the US and Canada on July 11 and 18, respectively .
The Sables leave for the US on June 28 and should welcome reinforcements in the form of Cleopas Kundiona, Ian Prior and Matthew McNab.
