Zimbabwe Sables coach Pieter Benade names his team for the World Rugby Nations Cup game against Uruguay

Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE have released their matchday squad for this weekend’s World Rugby Nations Cup game against Uruguay, with skipper Hilton Mudariki’s total absence the biggest story coming out of the announcement.

Sables coach Pieter Benade has rung in a couple of changes, both tactical and personnel, as Zimbabwe look to bounce back from their humiliating 43-7 defeat to Samoa last weekend.

Among the more notable changes is Tapiwa Mafura reverting to his fullback position, as Jason Robertson moves to the flyhalf position.

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Kudzi Mashawi is another big name who is set to miss out on the match with Dion Khumalo starting at inside centre in his stead.

However, the biggest news is Mudariki’s absence, as he misses out on the matchday squad completely.

He has been replaced by Tyrone Gombe, who gets a rare start at the scrumhalf position, while Bruce Houston has been named as a replacement for that position.

Of course, Prior can also operate at the position, while Houston can also come in as a possible number 10, giving Benade some flexibility in both positions.

Mudariki has been the subject of numerous debates online, with many calling for the head of the Zimbabwe skipper after a less-than-impressive outing against Samoa.

Amongst the numerous arguments that have been used against him is his age, as some believe that he slows down the game for Zimbabwe.

At the time of print, it was yet to be determined whether Mudariki’s absence was tactical or injury-inspired.

Tinotenda Mavesere has been named as captain and will lead Zimbabwe against Uruguay on Saturday.

The match starts at 5pm (Zim time)

Zimbabwe squad

1. Victor Mupunga
2. Liam Larkan
3. Bornwell Gwinji
4. Dale Lemon
5. Gary Porter
6. Tinotenda Mavesere (c)
7. Godfrey Muzanargwo
8. Aiden Burnett
9. Tyrone Gombe
10. Jason Robertson
11. Edward Sigauke
12. Dion Khumalo
13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
14. Matthew McNab
15. Tapiwa Mafura

Replacements
16. Bryan Chiang
17. Tijde Visser
18. Farai Mudariki
19. Daniel Cooke
20. Tadiwanashe Gwashu
21. Vuyani Dhlomo
22. Ian Prior
23. Bruce Houston