‘I feel comfortable with the ball on the tee’: Masterful Prior relishes polished kicking

ENOCK MUCHINJO IN KAMPALA

Ian Prior’s sensational performance with the boot, kicking 23 points in Zimbabwe’s 43-8 victory over Morocco in the Rugby Africa Cup opener on Tuesday, had shades of the Sables maestro’s Super Rugby days.

Star flyhalf Prior’s 100 percent goal-kicking record played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s win following a subdued start caused by rains at the Mandela International Stadium in Kampala.

The 34-year-old Prior, one of only three players to play over 100 games for Australian franchise Western Force, said he backed himself up with his experience gained at the top levels of the sport.

“I grew up playing both scrumhalf and flyhalf and I have always been a goal-kicker,” Prior told SportsCast on Thursday.

“So I feel comfortable with the ball on the tee. I believe my Super Rugby career kicking percentage was around 90 percent, which is something I worked hard and prided myself on.”

Man-of-the-match Prior commented that the Sables were able to overcome the wet conditions because of exposure to it before.

“The conditions were tricky, but luckily we had a training session during the week in similar rain,” he said.

“Also, last year the Test against South Korea (on a year-end tour) was similar as well. We adjusted relatively well and the forwards did some great work upfront.”

Zimbabwe now take on Kenya on Sunday with a place in the 19 July final at stake.

Prior is expecting a closely-fought contest with a side that is always highly motivated against the Sables since the two countries’ first meeting in 1981.

Ian Prior gets ready to take yet another succesful kick against Morocco on Tuesday.

“We’re looking forward to playing Kenya,” Prior said. “They’re a side blessed with skill and athleticism. So we will have to be at our best on the day. They are a talented side with plenty of athleticism and can hurt you from anywhere. Their Sevens programme certainly adds to their skill-sets so we have to be sharp.”