The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda Acting Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE might not be at the 2015 Rugby World Cup which kicks off in England on Friday but the country is well represented at the tournament. The Sables lost out on qualification to the Rugby World Cup after finishing second to Namibia at the African qualifiers staged in Madagascar and were also beaten by Russia in an inter confederation playoff.
However, four Zimbabwe born players are representing their adopted countries at this year’s Rugby World Cup. Prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, loose forwards David Pocock, David Donton and wing Takudzwa Ngwenya are the Zimbabwe born players who made the final cut for the countries they chose to play for. Mtawarira will be scrumming down for the South African Springboks, Pocock for the Wallabies of Australia, Donton for the Thistles of Scotland and Ngwenya made it into the Eagles of the United States of America where he will play at wing.
Mtawarira became a Springbok in 2008, making his debut against Wales at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. He has over the years made the number one jersey his and is the first name up whenever the Springboks squad is announced. He made his Rugby World Cup debut in New Zealand in 2011 and is one of the players whose performance will have a bearing on South Africa’s progression in the tournament.
Pocock, just like Mtawarira is making his second appearance at the World Cup having played for Australia in 2011. Born in Gweru, Pocock (27) has played for Western Force and Brumbies in Super Rugby. He made his Wallabies debut in 2008 and at some stage was captain of the Australian rugby team. An open side flanker, Pocock is renowned for his ball stealing skills at the breakdown.
Donton is the most junior of the Zimbabwe born players at the World Cup as he is making his debut at the world showcase. The 25-year-old, born in Marondera qualified to play for Scotland since his mother was born in Glasgow. He represented Scotland at Under-20 level as well as sevens before he earned his full international cap in 2011.
Ngwenya is the most senior of the Zimbabwe born stars at this Rugby World Cup as he is appearing for the third time at this big occasion. The 30-year-old wing stole the show at the 2007 event in France where the then little known Ngwenya sprinted past South African wing Brian Habana to score a try for USA. At that time Habana was considered the fastest rugby player in the world and Ngwenya’s heroics saw him being signed up by French club Biarritz where he has been since 2007.
So while Zimbabwe might not be at the Rugby World Cup, the Zimbabwean flavour will certainly spice up the tournament which runs from 18 September through to the end of October. A Zimbabwe born player could be holding aloft the William Webb Ellis Trophy at the home of rugby Twickenham come the final on 31 October.
