Sables forwards and scrum coach wants big men to provide ‘solid base for electrifying backs’

ENOCK MUCHINJO IN KAMPALA

Zimbabwe are expected to go in with a backline full of pace and attacking intent in defence of their Rugby Africa Cup title beginning on Tuesday, but forwards and scrum coach Joel Carew says the big men upfront must set the platform for that.

The Sables open against Morocco on Tuesday morning at the Mandela National Stadium here in Kampala aiming to seal back-to-back titles and a place at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

“I think if you watched the last two World Cups, you’ll understand how important a tight-five and a scrum is,” Carew said on Sunday during practice.

 “I think that especially at the Africa Cup, it’s important that we have a solid base, (for our) electrifying backs. It’s important that we set up base for them to attack, especially out wide. So it’s super important in this competition going forward.”

Zimbabwe will come in as overwhelming favourites against a Moroccan side that was only promoted back into the top division of African rugby this February after being relegated in 2018 before being suspended by Rugby Africa two years later.

Morocco have since reinforced their squad with their largely France-based contingent since they gained promotion earlier this year, and the Sables have been priming themselves for a physical confrontation in the forwards pack from the North Africans on Tuesday.

“In terms of preparations for Morocco, the guys have put in a nice proper shift, obviously analysing quite a bit and ready to rumble on Tuesday.”

Joel Carew (right) and Sables defence coach Senna Esterhuizen celebrate Zimbabwe's Africa Cup success in Uganda in 2024.

The winner between Zimbabwe and Morocco will meet either hosts Uganda or Kenya in the semi-finals on 13 July. The fierce East African neighbouring rivals will clash in the last quarter-final of the day on Tuesday in what is expected to be a hotly-contested showdown.

Namibia and Senegal will face off in the other quarter-final game with Algeria and Côte d'Ivoire completing the schedule of games on the first day of competition.