Sables credit ‘quality of players’ for opening Africa Cup win in difficult conditions

ENOCK MUCHINJO IN KAMPALA

Zimbabwe were comfortable 43-8 winners on Tuesday against Morocco to begin defence of their Rugby Africa Cup title, but the Sables had to endure early difficult conditions due to morning rains in the first-half.

The Sables conceded a driving maul try on their own line in the early moments of the game as the Moroccans drew first blood. Zimbabwe however weathered the storm to lead 16-5 at the break before running away with it in the second period when the sun emerged and rain stopped.

A masterclass display from the kicking tee by star flyhalf and man-of-the-match Ian Prior, who notched up 23 points in a 100 percent record, stood out for the Sables.

Zimbabwe assistant coach Ricky Chirengende commented that while the team didn’t enjoy ideal preparations ahead of the crucial tournament, the players dug deep into their bags of skills for the victory on Tuesday.

“Yesterday was a bit of a slow start, I think you also have to understand that this was the first time that the team was actually preparing together,” Chirengende told SportsCast on Wednesday.

“We didn’t really have a warm-up game so as a tech team we sort of expected that a few things won’t be perfect. But we prepared as best as we could and obviously when the rain came pouring down it sort of compounded the situation. But I think with the preparations we had done, and the quality of players we have in the squad, we managed to navigate that tricky first-half. And obviously as we got comfortable, we started to stamp our authority.”

Zimbabwe’s four tries came from fullback Tapiwa Mafura, wingers Ed Sigauke and Trevor Gurwe as well as replacement back-row Dylan Utete.

While combined efforts eventually carried Zimbabwe home, Chirengende singled out a few examples in the Sables’ routine win over the North Africans.

“The quality that came through, Ian kicked well, Tapiwa kicked well, our forwards scrummed well. But I think also that the highlight was our line-out.

Zimbabwe survived wet weather to record an easy Africa Cup opening win over Morocco.

Our line-out worked well, that helped us get front-foot ball, you know, when you can secure your primary position through good set-pieces it then allows you to play good rugby. I think that was the key for us and that was the most impressive part of our play. So I would say our line-out and our kicking game, our set-pieces, in wet conditions, always help you to win rugby games.”

Zimbabwe will now meet Kenya in the semi-finals on Sunday.