The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE warmed up for the World Rugby quadrangular series when they lost 78-7 to the Cheetahs of South Africa in a practice match played at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein yesterday.
Centre Takudzwa Chieza scored the only try for Zimbabwe whose conversion was kicked in by Keith Chiwara. The Cheetahs, who fielded two squads in what they described as a contact session were just too good for the Zimbabweans as they had a 24-7 lead at halftime.
Sables coach, Brendan Dawson will take whatever positives came out of the practice match against the Cheetahs for the World Rugby quadrangular series which will also feature Brazil, Kenya and Namibia to be played at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports.
Zimbabwe face Brazil on 14 November while Kenya tackle Namibia on that same day. Winners of the two matches will meet in the final on 20 November with the losers also going up against each other in the third place playoff.
Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe are using the quadrangular series to prepare for next year’s 2023 Rugby World Cup final qualifier to be held in France.
Of the 27 players called up by Dawson, 22 have reported for camp, with the France based George Saungweme, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Riaan O’Neill and Cleopas Kundiona together with Martin Mangongo, who plays club rugby in Poland to join the team today as well as tomorrow in Stellenbosch as they prepare to face Brazil. – Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29.
