The biggest test of Pieter Benade's tenure arrives tomorrow when the Sables take on South Africa A at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, with the match forming a key part of Zimbabwe's preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Stormers lock Gary Porter will make his first appearance for Zimbabwe in the clash. The 29-year-old South African, who has earned 29 Stormers caps, qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother.
Porter said Zimbabwe coach Pieter Benade was a key factor in his decision to play for the Sables, who have qualified for next year’s World Cup.
“After meeting coach Piet, I already knew the type of team he would run and what the culture would be like,” he said. “I wanted to play for a coach like Piet and for Zim, but also to play rugby at the highest level on an international stage. I think our chances are really strong against the South Africa A team, as well as hopefully winning the Nations Cup.”
Hilton Mudariki will captain the side from scrumhalf, with Kudzai Mashawi named as vice-captain in the centres.
The front row consists of Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma and Bornwell Gwinji, while Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa and the debutant Porter pack down in the second row.
Simbarashe Siraha, Dylan Utete and Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere complete the back row.
In the absence of veteran flyhalf Ian Prior, Bruce Houston has been handed the responsibility of directing Zimbabwe's backline and will look to showcase his potential at this level.
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He partners Mudariki at half-back, with Edward Sigauke named on the wing, where the fast finisher will be looking to exhibit his quick feet in pursuit of victory. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi starts in the centres alongside Mashawi, with Trevor Gurwe on the opposite wing and Tapiwa Mafura named at fullback.
A strong bench has been named to provide impact from the replacements, including Liam Larkan, Tjide Visser, Michael Kumbirai, Daniel Cooke and Tadiwanashe Gwashu among the forwards, with Aiden Burnett, Keegan Joubert and Dion Khumalo providing options in the backs.
The fixture represents the most significant test of the Sables' preparations so far this year, with Benade's side eager to demonstrate genuine progress against a strong South Africa A outfit before their departure for the Nations Cup in the United States later this month.
ZIMBABWE – 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Trevor Gurwe, 13 Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, 12 Kudzai Mashawi, 11 Edward Sigauke, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Hilton Mudariki (c), 8 Tinotenda Mavesere, 7 Dylan Utete, 6 Simbarashe Siraha, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 3 Bornwell Gwinji, 2 Simba Mandioma, 1 Victor Mupunga.
Bench: 16 Liam Larkan, 17 Tijde Visser, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Daniel Cooke, 20 Tadiwanashe Gwashu, 21 Aiden Burnett, 22 Keegan Joubert, 23 Dion Khumalo.
