Samoa have plenty of pedigree, but Zimbabwe have their own weapon

By Brian Matamba

HARARE – Zimbabwe face one of their toughest examinations in recent years on Saturday when they take on a Samoa team loaded with international experience, ex-All Blacks and players from some of the world's leading rugby competitions.

It is a tough ask for the Sables against the Oceania side in a World Rugby Nations Cup clash at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield, England.

 While the Pacific islanders may not necessarily command the same attention as the traditional rugby heavyweights, the quality and depth in their squad make them a dangerous opponent.

The Samoan squad boasts players with experience in Super Rugby, the United Rugby Championship (URC), France's Top 14 and the English Premiership.

Three players in the squad have previously represented the New Zealand All Blacks: fullback Shaun Stevenson, fly-half Josh Ioane and centre Peter Umaga-Jensen.

Their availability for Manu Samoa follows World Rugby's Regulation 8 eligibility provisions, which allow players with the required ancestral connection to represent another country after completing a three-year stand-down period from their last international appearance, subject to approval.

Stevenson and Ioane are in line to make their Manu Samoa debuts against Zimbabwe, adding considerable quality to an already experienced outfit.

Stevenson, who currently plies his trade with Japan's Kubota Spears, previously played for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, making more than 80 appearances in the competition.

He is a dangerous customer with ball in hand, blessed with pace, excellent footwork and the ability to unlock even the most organised defensive systems. The Sables will have to be particularly alert when he gets into space, as giving him room to operate could prove costly.

Another player Zimbabwe will have to keep an eye on is Samoa captain Theodore McFarland. The experienced forward is a tough, no-nonsense operator who brings plenty of physicality to the pack.

The battle at Wakefield is likely to be won or lost up front, with Samoa expected to bring their trademark physical approach to the contest.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have built much of their identity around an expansive brand of rugby, preferring to move the ball, play with pace and allow their skillful backs to express themselves.

The Sables have received a timely boost with the addition of former Exeter Chiefs coach Ricky Pellow to the technical team. Pellow, who is now responsible for the team's attack and backs, has emphasised the importance of quick ruck speed, with the target being to get the ball away within three seconds.

The idea is to create quicker ball, stretch opposition defences and give Zimbabwe's exciting backline the platform to attack.

Looking at the team selected by head coach Piet Benade, there are some interesting tactical decisions.

One of the notable changes is the switch of Tapiwa Mafura from fullback to the wing, with debutant Jason Robertson entrusted with the number 15 jersey.

Robertson, a former Ruzawi Primary School pupil, is primarily a fly-half. His selection at fullback could offer Zimbabwe an additional tactical kicking option alongside experienced fly-half Ian Prior.

With two recognised tactical kickers on the field, the Sables will have options to play for territory, particularly if the weather and playing conditions do not favour running rugby.

It will be interesting to see how the combination works, especially if the Sables can achieve the quick ruck speed Pellow has been demanding. Getting quality ball to Mafura in space could make for exciting viewing.

In midfield, Zimbabwe have retained the tried-and-tested combination of Kudzi Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, who will be expected to provide both defensive solidity and attacking creativity.

The forward pack is where the biggest examination is likely to come.

In the front row, the experienced Victor Mupunga will partner hooker Liam Larkan and tighthead prop Cleopas Kundiona.

The second row sees Gary Porter, who has now accumulated five Test caps for the Sables, partnering debutant Dale Lemon. Their combination will be particularly important at lineout time, an area where Zimbabwe experienced difficulties during the July leg of the Nations Cup.

The loose trio comprises Tinotenda Mavesera and Godfrey Muzanargwo, who will occupy the flanker positions, with vice-captain Aiden Burnett at number eight.

Burnett will have an important role at the base of the scrum, while Mavesera and Muzanargwo will be expected to bring energy, physicality and work rate around the park.

One area Zimbabwe cannot afford to overlook is their defence, particularly when dealing with Samoa's set-piece threats.

In their last outing against Namibia at the National Sports Stadium, the Sables showed some defensive vulnerabilities, especially when defending the rolling maul.

It is an area that requires urgent attention as they step up against more physically imposing opposition. Against a side with Samoa's forward resources, every player will need to be switched on defensively.

At Tier 2 international level, dominance of the set-piece is often crucial. Scrums, lineouts, mauls and the ability to win the physical exchanges can determine the outcome of closely contested matches.

Ultimately, it is about executing the basics correctly and repeatedly over 80 minutes. Against Samoa, any lapse in concentration or failure to deal with the physical battle could prove expensive.

There is also growing excitement around the fixture among Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom, with the diaspora community expected to provide the Sables with plenty of support in Wakefield.

For Zimbabwe, this is another opportunity to measure their progress against quality opposition as preparations continue towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Samoa arrive with plenty of pedigree and individual quality, but the Sables have their own weapons. If they can match the visitors physically, dominate their set pieces and get the ball moving at the pace Pellow wants, they could make life very uncomfortable for the Pacific Islanders.

It promises to be a fascinating contest at Wakefield.