The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE lost the World Rugby Stellenbosch Challenge final 41-10 to Namibia at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports in South Africa yesterday.
The Sables had done well enough to lead 7-5 at the break after loose forward Biselele Tshamala had scored a try which was converted by flyhalf Dudlee White-Sharpley. The Zimbabwean number 10 booted in a penalty goal which saw Zimbabwe take their lead to 10-5 early into the second-half.
Namibia however, upped their game in the second-half and scored 36 unanswered points to prevail over Zimbabwe.
Yesterday’s match was a dress rehearsal of a potential semifinal clash between the two teams who are most likely to meet in next year’s Rugby Africa semifinals in France. At the Rugby Africa Cup, which serves as the final qualifier for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Zimbabwe will square off with Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals and could meet Namibia in the semis should the Namibians take care of Burkina Faso in the last eight.
Zimbabwe Sables:
Tyran Fagan, Royal Mwale, Cleopas Kundiona, Sean Beevor, George Saungweme, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Biselele Tshamala, Aiden Burnett , Hilton Mudariki (captain), Dudlee White-Sharpley, Shingirai Katsvere, Takudzwa Chieza, Riaan O’Neill, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Tapiwa Mafura.
Replacements: Deanne Makoni, Victor Mupunga, Bornwell Gwinji, Godwin Mangenje, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Keith Chiwara, Martin Mangongo, Jordan Coombes. — Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29
