The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE had their chances of qualifying for next month’s Tokyo Olympics severely dented when they lost both Pool A matches they played on day two of the Rugby Sevens final qualification tournament when they were beaten by Ireland as well as Samoa at Stade Louis II in Monaco yesterday.
Kudzai Mashawi tries to bring down an Ireland player on day two
The Cheetahs had started the tournament brightly with an impressive 21-0 triumph over Mexico on Friday.
Yesterday was, however, a tough day on the field for the Daniel Hondo-coached Cheetahs.
Kudzai Mashawi and Shingirai Katsvere in action against Ireland
Zimbabwe were beaten 31-10 by Ireland in their opening match. Terry Kennedy scored a hat-trick and two tries from Jordan Conroy saw Ireland lead Zimbabwe 31-0 at half-time. Zimbabwe did well in the second half not to concede any points while they did score two unconverted tries but could not manage to overturn the deficit. Godknows Mavara and Brandon Boshi were the try scorers for Zimbabwe.
Sam Phiri breaks free to score a try against Mexico on day one
In their second match of the day, Zimbabwe were beaten 33-7 by Samoa. The Samoans ran in four converted tries in the first half to lead 28-7 at the break. Ryan Musumhi scored the only try for Zimbabwe which he went on to convert.
In the second half, Zimbabwe managed to keep their marauding opponents at bay. Just when they were looking to launch a comeback, the Cheetahs were reduced to six men when Martin Mangongo was sent to the sin bin with three minutes to go. This allowed Samoa to score their fifth try of the match with less than a minute to go which was not converted.
Zimbabwe ended the day in third place in Pool A with five points and a points difference of minus 26.
Ryan Musumhi kicks the ball
The Cheetahs face Tonga in their final pool match this afternoon.
Only the top two teams in each of the two pools progress to the semi-finals, which means Zimbabwe are out of contention for a place in the last four. Whatever happens today, the Cheetahs cannot overtake second placed Ireland or Samoa. The best Zimbabwe can finish on is eight points while Ireland and Samoa are already on nine points each. A win comes with three points, two for a draw and the losing team gets a point — @Mdawini_29
