Windhoek: Zimbabwe Rugby’s national rugby team, affectionately known as the Sables, beat Kenya 29-14 with an impressive performance in Windhoek last night.

A great deal was expected of the game, a match that was a repeat of the Africa Cup final that was played in July this year. In July, Kenya overcame Zimbabwe to lift the Africa Cup, something Zimbabwe managed to do in 2012. With this history and knowledge of playing each other, many people believe the match would be a very closely fought affair.

The Zimbabwe team started the game with greater intensity and accuracy, with the Sables scoring a converted try very early in the match, through fullback Tangai Nemadire. Zimbabwe then maintained their dominance in the first half, adding 2 penalties through the boot of Lenience Tambwera. With a 13-0 lead, Zimbabwe looked to be building in confidence. This confidence continued to have a positive affect on the Sables performance, with Tangai Nemadire and Lenience Tambwera scoring further tries. These tries were unconverted, but flyhalf Tambwera managed to add an additional penalty- for Zimbabwe to take a commanding 26-0 lead at half time.

 

With the half time score being very one sided in the Zimbabweans favor, the African Champions- Kenya, had everything to play for in the second half.

It was Kenya who came out of the changing room with more purpose, scoring two converted tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half. With Zimbabwe being guilty of a few handling mistakes, the Kenyans showed how dangerous a side they can be in broken play. To add more concern to the second half performance, both Lenience Tambwera and Lungile Tshuma left the field with injuries for the Sables.

Zimbabwe however held their composure, adding a penalty with 10 minutes to play. Coach Brendon Dawson also used the opportunity to bring on a number of his players from his bench, giving valued International rugby experience to his players. Despite Zimbabwe having a few scoring opportunities, the match finished 29-14 to the Sables.

With Zimbabwe recalling a number of overseas players, the experience of this tour will prove to be valuable for the Sables. It is this experience that the Zimbabwe team will look to build on in 2014. Next year, Zimbabwe will look to play 3 home International Matches and hold regular training camps in preparation for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers, that will be held in Madagascar, at the end of June. Zimbabwe will need to finish top of this tournament, to be played in a round robin format, to progress automatically to the Rugby World Cup in 2015. Standing in Zimbabwe’s way will be Kenya, Madagascar and Namibia.

Zimbabwe Rugby would like to thank Acol Chemicals, NetOne and Trek Petroleum for their contributions to the tour. Without these vital contributions, the sport would not be able to compete at this level.

 

Courtesy Zimbabwe eye