Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5) 26
Tonga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (19) 36
EDWARD SIGAUKE yesterday rediscovered the magic that has made him a darling of Zimbabwe rugby, mesmerising the big crowd at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Colorado as the World Rugby Nations Cup finally kicked off.
Sigauke waltzed and danced his was past defenders to lead Zimbabwe’s spirited comeback that almost saw the Sables pull off a shock win over Tonga.
Unfortunately, the experience of the Pacific Islanders won the day as Tonga beat Zimbabwe 36-26.
Still, Piet Benade and his men can hold their heads high for showing resilience against their more seasoned opponents and will fancy their chances when the two sides meet again in Queensland, Australia at the Rugby World Cup next year.
Zimbabwe have been drawn up against Tonga, Wales and group favorites England at the 2027 global showcase
But this is a story for another day.
For now, it is all about Rugby Nations Cup and Pool F could be the most exciting group of the tournament as virtually all the match-ups lived up to the billing with high scores and some nail-biting thrillers.
The Zimbabwe and Tonga match kicked off the group with the teams evenly-matched and game goalles as both nations put up a defensive showcase for the opening 23 minutes.
Tonga did get the breakthrough eventually, courtesy of tries by Telusa Veainu, Fatongia Paea.
Fly-half Patrick Pellegrini chipped in with two conversions.
Zimbabwe did hit back courtesy of a Matthew Mandioma try, which Ian Prior failed to convert, as Tonga went into the breather with a 19-5 lead.
Benade halftime pep-talk must have struck a nerve with his charges as Zimbabwe came back a totally different beast in the second half.
The second half belonged to one man, and that was 22-year-old Sigauke.
The Sables winger was an absolute menace with every touch of the ball, firstly brilliantly setting up Blithe Mavesere after carving through the Tongan defence with his trademark runs.
A few minutes later, after a brilliant dummy from Matthew Mandioma, Sigauke received the ball in space and darted for the tryline to put his name on the scoreboard.
In between those two tries, Godfrey Muzanargwo scored an exceptional try in the corner, with Prior converting all three tries to give Zimbabwe a rare 26-19 lead.
Tonga soon found themselves in trouble as Pellegrini was given a yellow card and sent sin-bin, handing Zimbabwe a numerical advantage and the clock running down.
Unfortunately, Tonga were jolted back to reality as tries Semisi Paea and substitute Sekope Lopeti Moli saw the Islanders take back their lead.
With Pellegrini in the sin bin, the kicking duties went to fullback William Havili, who duly converted both.
Pellegrini later returned during the dying moments of the game and his penalty put the game beyond Zimbabwe’ s grasp.
Speaking after the match, Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua was a relieved man.
“We are happy to get the win,” he said.
“We knew Zimbabwe were going to come at us hard and the yellow cards cost us but talked about it as a team and we are happy we managed to regroup and get the win,” he said
His opposite number,and Zimbabwe skipper, Hilton Mudariki said they were disappointed they “didn’t get the win.”
“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 encounters played, the United States of America beat Portugal 30-29 while Canada and Spain drew 42-42.
Zimbabwe play the United States of America on Saturday before wrapping up their opening round of fixtures with a tie against Canada on July 18.
