Young Sables hailed

Junior World Rugby Trophy at the end of the month, is a strong and competitive team.
Rutter – together with the likes of Dante Mama, Charles Jiji Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Daniel Turner and Biselele Tshamala – was part of the side that took part at last year’s edition of the JWRT in Moscow, Russia where they finished seventh.
But the former Young Sables forward believes the current side will be able to do better as they have a stronger squad.
Rutter was part of the Under-23 Select side that drew 17-17 with the Young Sables on Friday at the Cottco Schools rugby festival where the junior side staged a strong comeback in the second half where they scored 14 unanswered points.
“Well I can’t believe the competition these boys gave us because they gave us a tough game and they have just proven that they are a strong side.
“They are really a well drilled side, they look very much a serious side and the side just has the players that are able to put it (the game) together.
“Honestly I was not expecting them to put up such a performance but I am sure, with the time that is left, they will be able to improve be a much better side when they leave for the tournament,” said Rutter
It was that comeback – in a match that was pregnant in fierce rivalry and history – that made Rutter believe the side has what it takes to be among the top sides at this year’s tournament.
“It is not easy to see a side come up and score 14 points and defend well in the second half and that goes on to show the potential the side has.
“The fact that they were playing a senior team is good because they are going to face players of almost the same size and strength as us when they go to Georgia and the game just gave them an insight of what they might be exposed to,” said the former Young Sable.
Graham Logan was expected in the country last night, according to Young Sables’ assistant coach Godwin Murambiwa, as he had not yet joined camp due to educational commitments.
Winger Kuda Chiwanza has recovered from an injury suffered on Friday.
Having gone into camp on Monday at Prince Edward School, the side only held the morning training session yesterday and took a break in the afternoon.
They are expected to undergo a fitness test at the Country Club Gym this morning.
“We did not have an afternoon training session because tomorrow (today) morning we will have a fitness test, remember the boys have a strength and fitness coach.
“It is good that Chiwanza is fit and is back running.
“Mclean Muhambi is also set to recover from an ankle injury while Marco Mama will be in at the end of the week,” said Murambiwa.
Provisional Squad
Zer Makomva, Tatenda Karuru, Murray Bryce-Rodgers, Takudzwa Jaravaza, Regis Mutangadura, Farai Jijita, Sean Joubert, Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Charles Jiji, Thomas Nelson, Dylan Coetzee, Mclean Muhambi, Kuda Chiwanza, Justin Coles, Corey van Rensberg. Simba Gonese, Ian Muza, Delroy Sibanda, Michael Sinclair, Kuda Mudariki, Sean Linfield, Takura Tela, Marco Mama, Graham Logan, Lungile Tshuma.
Coach: Brighton Chivandire Assistant: Godwin Murambiwa.