Following their opening Nations Cup fixture against Tonga, the Sables travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, for their second assignment of the tournament, and head coach Pieter Benade has made changes to his starting XV for the clash against the USA Eagles on 12 July 2026, with Tinotenda Mavesere handed the captaincy for this fixture.
The match kicks off at 1:30AM CAT at what promises to be a stern examination against a USA side playing in front of a home crowd, making it one of the most challenging environments the Sables will face during their Nations Cup campaign.
Benade has retained the front row combination of Victor Mupunga and Cleopas Kundiona, with Liam Larkan introduced at hooker. Gary Porter and Godfrey Muzanargwo continue in the second row, while Mavesere leads from the blindside flanker position with Jason Fraser at openside and Aiden Burnett at number eight. Keegan Joubert starts at scrumhalf with Ian Prior continuing at flyhalf. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi and Dion Khumalo form the centre partnership, with Edward Sigauke and Matthew McNab on the wings and Tapiwa Mafura again named at fullback.
The bench includes Matthew Mandioma, Tjide Visser, Michael Kumbirai, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Simbarashe Siraha, Hilton Mudariki, Bruce Houston and Takudzwa Musingwini.
ZIMBABWE SABLES STARTING XV VS USA EAGLES — WORLD RUGBY NATIONS CUP 2026:
Victor Mupunga, Liam Larkan, Cleopas Kundiona, Gary Porter, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Tinotenda Mavesere (captain), Jason Fraser, Aiden Burnett, Keegan Joubert, Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Dion Khumalo, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura. Replacements: Matthew Mandioma, Tjide Visser, Michael Kumbirai, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Simbarashe Siraha, Hilton Mudariki, Bruce Houston, Takudzwa Musingwini.