HARARE - Zimbabwe begin their final quest to qualify for next year’s Rugby World Cup today against Madagascar at 2pm today in a make-or-break tournament for the Sables.
The Sables play three high intensity matches inside two weeks in which they have very little margin for error with a World Cup ticket on the line.
Brendan Dawson and his technical staff have gone with their gut, naming several uncapped players in the touring party who they hope will deliver World Cup qualification for the first time in 21 years.
Fly-half Guy Cronje, who plays for the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup, is one such player who will be making his Sables debut in Madagascar.
“I am really excited coming to play for Zim in a World Cup qualifier. It’s been great. If we can get to the World Cup that will be awesome,” Cronje told the Daily News.
The 25-year-old half back was included in the Sables provisional squad with his twin brother Ross, who unlike his brother is a regular feature in the Lions set-up.
“Ross would have loved to be here but obviously with the Lions and the Super Rugby that was not possible,” Cronje said.
“We are expecting a bruising battled with Namibia and Kenya. Madagascar at home will always prove to be tough but we have a great bunch of players who have the spirit to go all the way.”
Prop Denford Mutamangira of Ayr Rugby Football Club in the Scottish Premiership said:
His form for Ayr will inspire confidence into the Sables forwards pack, a department that will be
“We have been training really hard and it’s looking good.
“Everyone has a positive attitude. I think we have done a massive job; hopefully everything will come together as a team. I personally think we can do it.”