Burnett drops to the bench but Sables still full strength for Africa Cup opener

KAMPALA, Uganda – Back-row Jason Fraser has returned to the Zimbabwe side in an experienced match-day 23 named by Sables head coach Piet Benade for tomorrow’s Rugby Africa Cup opener against Morocco here in Kampala.

Fraser’s inclusion at eighth-man means that one of the team’s vice-captains Aiden Burnett drops to the bench as Zimbabwe begin defence of their title, which they won at the same venue last year.

Quite interestingly, Burnett loses his place in the starting XV having been the man-of-the-match the last time out that Zimbabwe played an Africa Cup match, during the 29-3 win over Algeria in the final last July.

Fraser, who last played for Zimbabwe at the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in France, completes a loose-trio that also has Tino Mavesere at blind-side flank and Godfrey Muzanargwo in the number 7 shirt.

The rest of the forwards pack for Zimbabwe – from number 1 to 5 – is a carbon-copy of the cast list the helped the Sables clinch the Africa Cup last year.

Meanwhile in the backline, there was no place in the match-23 for returning winger Matt McNab.

The 27-year-old McNab only joined the Zimbabwe squad on Sunday from the United Kingdom, where he has recently moved to Doncaster Knights from Cornish Pirates in the English Championship.

The Sables have opted for the electrifying young pair of Ed Sigauke and Trevor Gurwe on the wings, with the talismanic fullback Tapiwa Mafura completing an extremely exciting back three for Benade’s men.

The rest of the backline is also a familiar sight from the 2024 triumphant side.

Captain Hilton Mudariki is the ever-present feature at scrumhalf, with star flyhalf Ian Prior taking his position for the halfback pairing.

Inside-centre Kudzai Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi in the 13 jersey make up an enterprising midfield for Zimbabwe.

                        ZIMBABWE SQUAD

Starting line-up: 1. Victor Mupunga 2. Simba Mandioma 3. Cleopas Kundiona 4. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa 5. Simba Siraha 6. Tino Mavesere 7. Godfrey Muzanargwo 8. Jason Fraser 9. Hilton Mudariki (captain) 10. Ian Prior 11. Ed Sigauke 12. Kudzai Mashawi 13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi 14. Trevor Garwe 15. Tapiwa Mafura.

The Sables prepare in Kampala ahead of their Africa Cup opener against Morocco.

Substitutes: 16. Liam Larkan 17. Tyran Fagan 18. Bornwell Gwinji 19. Aiden Burnett 20. Dylan Utete 21. Keegan Joubert 22. Dion Khumalo 23. Taku Musingwini.