The Zimbabwe Sables’ squad selection has been consistent throughout the Rugby Africa Cup tournament. From the onset, they made their intentions known; that they are not only here to defend their African title, but also to earn the automatic qualification spot to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The spine of their team, Simba Mandioma, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki and Tapiwa Mafura, have played in all their games, and their pack of forwards has remained largely unchanged.
In Saturday’s final, Godfrey Muzanargwo moves from flank to lock, while Dylan Utete who has been starting on the bench, comes to fill in that gap. Tadwa Gwashu makes his first appearance from the bench while Aiden Burnett provides cover in the loose forwards for the third time in a row.
In the semifinal, the Sables coach Piet Benade was impressed with winger Matt McNab’s performance in a game he described as “not having very many big opportunities for the wings,” and he had similar praise for replacement scrumhalf, Keegan Jourbet. These 2 lads make a return to the squad, but it is Edward Siguake who has bigger fish to fry, with the introduction of Jay-Cee Nel on the wing for Namibia.
If this consistency in squad selection has built rhythm for the Sables, then the 7 time Rugby World Cup participants in Namibia have a few things to think about before going into the Rugby Africa Cup final on Saturday at the Mandela National Stadium.
Starting XV: Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Dylan Utete, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki(captain), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matt McNab, Tapiwa Mafura.
Substitutes: Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Tadwa Gwashu, Aiden Burnett, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston.