ZIMBABWE’S Sevens rugby team faces a tough first appearance on the HSBC Sevens World Series this season after being pooled with England, Argentina and Samoa in what should be a highly competitive group for the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay SA Sevens next month.
DANIEL NHAKANISO,SPORTS REPORTER
The Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay SA Sevens, which is the third round of the nine-legged HSBC Sevens World Series, will take place in Port Elizabeth over two days on Saturday and Sunday.
England, who currently occupy fourth position HSBC Sevens World Series Standings are the top side in Pool D followed by Argentina in eighth position and Samoa who are ninth.
Zimbabwe, who are the only the non-core side in the draw, are still unranked as they are yet to participate on the world series this season.
The draw for the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay SA Sevens tournament was conducted just before the Cup final of the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, won by Fiji.
Zimbabwe’s sevens side which is affectionately known as the Cheetahs will be hoping for a positive display in their first world series event this season and only their second competitive tourney since the Nashua Middleburg Sevens in September.
Fiji face matches against Scotland, Australia and France on day one in South Africa in Pool A.
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The Dubai runners-up, South Africa, will once again take on fellow Africans Kenya and their former coach Paul Treu, as well as Canada and Spain in Pool B.
The South African event defending champions New Zealand head Pool C and start with matches against Wales, Portugal and the United States.
Zimbabwe are expected to leave for South Africa tomorrow with a new look side which has four uncapped players namely Brendon Boshi, Boyd Rouse, Biselele Tshamala, Lenience Tambwera and Hilton Mudariki who are all in line to earn their world series debuts.
The Cheetahs will be without regular skipper Jacques Leitao, his deputy Daniel Hondo and speed merchant Wensley Mbanje.
Cheetahs Squad: Fortune Chipendu, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Boyd Rouse, Njabulo Ndlovu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Biselele Tshamala, Kilvan Mangunje, Lenience Tambwera, Hilton Mudariki, Brandon Boshi, Gardner Nechironga, Tangai Nemadire
