The Zimbabwe national rugby team, Sables, began their 2025 campaign with a commanding 70-15 victory against Zambia in the first leg of the ‘Battle of the Zambezi’ at Harare Sports Club. Key players included debutant Nyasha Shiripinda and captain Hilton Mudariki, with Linience Tambwera making significant contributions in conversions. The match showcased Zimbabwe’s dominance, with ten tries scored, setting a strong precedent for the upcoming second leg.
The Zimbabwe national rugby team, known as the Sables, kicked off their 2025 campaign with a resounding 70-15 victory over Zambia. This was the first match of what is titled the ‘Battle of the Zambezi,’ held at Harare Sports Club. Though Zambia scored first via a penalty from Alex Mwewa, Zimbabwe quickly established control of the game.
Debutant Nyasha Shiripinda answered back swiftly, gathering the return kick-off and deftly squeezing through to score under the posts. Linience Tambwera, who had an impressive performance, converted the try, setting a commanding tone for the home team right from the start. Prop Bornwell Gwinji, playing in France, added to the lead with a second try, coming from a series of robust carries from the forwards, and again, Tambwera converted.
The Sables captain, Hilton Mudariki, celebrating his 51st test cap, darted in for a third try, further solidifying Zimbabwe’s dominance, which Tambwera converted. Zambia managed to respond with a converted try, but it was clear that Zimbabwe’s side retained overall control throughout the match.
By halftime, the score was a convincing 28-10 in favor of the Sables. The second half saw Zimbabwe ramping up the pressure, with their substitutes injecting more energy into the game. The fatigue and defensive cracks began to show for the Zambian team, leading to a flurry of tries for the home side. Ultimately, Zimbabwe reached a total of ten tries, with Tambwera effectively converting most, including several from challenging angles.
Although Zambia managed one more converted try in the latter part of the match, it was a mere consolation, as Zimbabwe clinched victory with a decisive score of 70-15. After the game, Captain Mudariki reflected on the win, expressing his satisfaction but also noting areas needing improvement: “Super happy to have such a great win in front of the home fans… It was a good win but we made a lot of errors on the field and had some discipline issues on the park.”
He emphasized the teamwork and the crucial role of home fans in achieving this victory, highlighting how playing at home is always special.
With a 55-point advantage heading into the second leg, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to maintain their supremacy in this regional rivalry, showcasing not only their skill but also a promising potential for further growth in future matches.
In conclusion, the Sables’ dominant victory over Zambia in the first leg of the ‘Battle of the Zambezi’ sets a strong precedent for their upcoming games. While triumphing 70-15, they demonstrated both impressive teamwork and individual skill, spearheaded by Tambwera’s kicking and Shiripinda’s debut performance. Captain Mudariki’s insight reflects both pride in their performance and recognition of areas for improvement, highlighting their readiness for future challenges in this rivalry.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
