SABLES head coach Pieter Benade has revealed that Zimbabwe will view their historic encounter against South Africa ‘A’ as a vital launching pad to grow and test their depth ahead of next month’s World Rugby Nations Cup.
The high-profile match serves as a blockbuster curtain-raiser for the Springboks’ clash against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha this Saturday.
For Zimbabwe, the fixture represents the beginning of a crucial development cycle.
The Sables are using the match to prepare for the Nations Cup in the United States, where they face Tonga in Denver on July 4, the USA in Charlotte on July 11, and Canada in Winnipeg on July 18.
This demanding schedule marks the start of an monumental year for the African nation, who have qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 36 years and will compete in Australia next year.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this publication, Benade emphasised that the fixture offers an invaluable platform for his largely non-professional squad to test themselves against elite structures.
“We had a good week in Stellenbosch getting a lot of the boys together for the first time in 10 months,” Benade said.
“The energy has been good as we try to reintegrate the group again.
- Musona gap difficult to fill: Nyandoro
- Health talk: You have a role to play in curbing Covid-19 spread
- Green Fuel fulfills its Chisumbanje pledge
- Health talk: You have a role to play in curbing Covid-19 spread
Keep Reading
“We are looking at this challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn against a top quality side.
“Many of our players are not professional players but have earned this amazing opportunity to show their talents on a great platform.”
He added: “While there are long and short term goals in terms of our time together, there is a lot of motivation to represent our country in a positive way.
“It is a huge responsibility for the group and one that they all understand.”
While experienced flyhalf Ian Prior and several other marquee stars are unavailable this weekend due to external commitments, Benade has relied heavily on the core group from the SAS Training Camp to maintain squad continuity.
The Sables' 30-man training squad features an exciting blend of domestic and international talent from clubs across Zimbabwe, South Africa, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Headline inclusions feature Aiden Burnett, Bornwell Gwinji, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Bruce Houston, Dale Lemon, Hilton Mudariki, Tinotenda Mavesere and Tapiwa Mafura.
A massive talking point in the camp is the inclusion of uncapped Stormers lock Gary Porter.
The 29-year-old, two-meter-tall tight-five powerhouse qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother.
Porter’s 115kg frame is expected to inject critical muscle into the Sables’ pack.
If selected in the final matchday 23, Porter faces a tantalizing, direct matchup against his Stormers second-row teammate, Ruben van Heerden, who starts for South Africa ‘A’.
South Africa Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick have named powerhouse squads for Saturday’s double-header, captained by Siya Kolisi (Springboks) and Vincent Tshituka (SA ‘A’).
The highly anticipated rugby festival will kick off at 12 midday with the SA ‘A’ vs Zimbabwe clash, followed by the Springboks taking on the Barbarians at 15h00.
Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Stick has picked a dangerous, physical line-up that balances World Cup-winning experience with emerging U20 prospects heading to the Junior World Championship.
Senior Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am anchors the midfield, while the physical pack features captain Vincent Tshituka partnering Van Heerden in the second row, alongside a dynamic back row of Phepsi Buthelezi, Bathobele Hlekani and Emmanuel Tshituka.
Stick praised the qualifying Sables and noted they will pose a genuine threat.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what this group of players can do against a determined Zimbabwe outfit, who have qualified for the 2027 World Cup, and will undoubtedly use this opportunity to test themselves against us... They have a settled team, and they have good coaches, so they will throw everything at us, and we need to be ready for that.”
South Africa ‘A’ Team to face Zimbabwe
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead; 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius
