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FRANCE based loose forward, Tapiwa Tsomondo as well as backline player Tapiwa Mafura who plays for the Pumas in South Africa will make their Test debut for Zimbabwe when the Sables square off against Brazil in a World Rugby quadrangular series opening fixture at Stellenbosch Academy of Sports in Stellenbosch, South Africa on Sunday afternoon.
Tsomondo has for years represented his country in sevens rugby and at some stage fancied his chances of representing South Africa in the 15s version of the game as he knocked on the doors of the Western Province in the Currie Cup. Now based in France, Tsomondo has given up his dreams of donning the green and gold of the Springboks as he today pulls on the green and white number eight shirt for the Zimbabwe Sables in a loose trio that also consists of Godfrey Muzanargwo and Biselele Tshamala.
Mafura starts at fullback, with the other outside backs being Takudzwa Kumadiro and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi.
Prop Victor Mupunga is also in line for a debut appearance for the Hilton Mudariki captained Sables should he come off the bench.
In the other match, Namibia collide with Kenya with the winner of the match to face whoever is victorious between Zimbabwe and Brazil in the final on Saturday while the losers will also meet in the third place playoff.
Zimbabwe Sables: Tyran Fagan, Royal Mwale, Cleopas Kundiona, Sean Beevor, George Saungweme, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Biselele Tshamala, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Dudlee White-Sharpley, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Takudzwa Chieza, Riaan O’Neill, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Tapiwa Mafura
Replacements: Deanne Makoni, Victor Mupunga, Bornwell Gwinji, Godwin Mangenje, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Keith Chiwara, Shingirai Katsvere, Aiden Burnett
– @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter