The Sables’ road to the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England begins today when they lock horns with hosts Tunisia in the first semi-final of the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Africa Cup Group 1A tournament at the Jemmel Stadium in Tunis.
The match kicks off at 1800 hours (Zimbabwe time).
East African rivals Kenya and Uganda clash in the other semi-final after which the winners of both matches will meet in the final on Saturday for the right to be named African champions.
The losers in today’s semis clash in the relegation playoff where the loser will drop to the Africa Group 1B while Madagascar will join the elite group after upstaging Namibia 57-54 in the Group 1B final on Sunday. The four-team tournament forms part of the first stage of the qualification phase for the World Cup qualifiers and only the top three teams will make it to the next stage of qualification set for next year. Fullback Raymond de Jong and scrumhalf Scotty Jones were the only surprises in the starting XV named yesterday.
De Jong, who plays for UQ Rugby Academy in Australia, will make his Sables debut in the crucial encounter after coming in for the injured Danny Robertson.
Jones was also preferred ahead of Charles Jiji, one of the stars of last season’s side which finished the season unbeaten. Seasoned campaigner Tangai Nemadire and speedster Kuda Chiwanza’s pace will be crucial for the Sables who are likely going to employ the kick -and-chase tactics to dominate the territorial possession. The technical department led by Brendan Dawson has opted for experience in midfield where the centre pairing of Cleopas Makotose and Danny Hondo will do duty while at flyhalf Tichafara Makwanya was preferred ahead of young Lenience Tambwera.
Zimbabwe, who are likely going to have a smaller pack than their rivals, will rely on the speed, creativity and flair of their backline to see them through.
Sables’ Starting XV: 15 Raymond De Jong, 14 Tangai Nemadire, 13 Cleopas Makotose, 12 Daniel Hondo, 11 Kudakwashe Chiwanza, 10 Tichafara Makwanya, 9 Scotty Jones, 8 Norman Mukondiwa, 7 Jacques Leitao, 6 Shingirai Mpofu, 5 Jan Ferreira, 4 Constantine Dinha, 3 Jakov Jakov, 2 Prayer Chitenderu, 1 Denford Mutamangira Replacements: Brian Makamure, Piet Joubert, Tatenda Karuru, Fortune Chipendu, TJ Chifokoyo, Charles Jiji, Gardner Nechironga, Josh Rowe, Lenience Tambwera
