SABLES OUT TO OUST SIMBAS! Do-or-die Africa Rugby Cup clash looms

Brandon Moyo

IT’S all systems go as the Zimbabwe Sables named their final 23-man squad for Sunday’s explosive Africa Cup semi-final against bitter rivals Kenya—the Simbas—in Kampala, Uganda.

There’s only one change to the starting lineup that triumphed in the quarter-finals: Matthew McNab slots in at number 14, replacing Trevor Gurwe. Vice captain Aiden Burnett, back from illness, will start from the bench.

All eyes will be on Bruce Houston, the former Ireland Under-20 international, who could make his debut for Zimbabwe. Houston, 26, was recently cleared to play for the Sables through his mother’s Zimbabwean roots.

Currently on the books of Union Sportive Bressane in France, Houston brings European flair and experience, having featured for Cornish Pirates, Ulster, and Edinburgh. While he prefers flyhalf, he’s also deadly at 12 and 15.

With only one ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia up for grabs, the pressure is sky-high. A win over Kenya would see the Sables edge closer to that golden spot.

In their last six meetings, Zimbabwe and Kenya are tied at three wins apiece, making this Sunday’s match a high-stakes decider.

The other semi-final features Namibia versus Algeria, but all eyes in Southern Africa will be glued to the 3PM kickoff, available for streaming on Rugby Africa’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Sables Starting XV:
Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura
Impact Players:
Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Aiden Burnett, Dylan Utete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston

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