The juniors qualified for IRB’s prime junior tournament in Georgia courtesy of a victory in a final over Namibia in Harare. The match was the qualifier for Africa’s sole berth in Georgia.
Zimbabwe won 29-17 at over Namibia at Prince Edward School. The victory came hot on the heels of the senior team winning the Confederation of African Rugby Championships late last month and IRB, the world’s rugby governing body, believes the Sables’ impressive run played a part in inspiring their junior counterparts.
“Inspired by the current form of the country's senior side, the young Sables got off to a winning start against Uganda and Tunisia and Namibia also edged both nations to set up a winner-takes-all play-off,” the organization said in a statement.
Zimbabwe qualified ahead of seven other nations, namely, Namibia, Tunisia, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Morocco, and Madagascar. These played across two groups of four.
The final victory was inspired by Zimbabwe’s lethal backline, which contrasted with Namibia's stronger pack and managed to hold sway in an entertaining match.
The hosts scored three tries through captain Sean Linfield and Justin Coles (2), while centre Preston Bryant was their outstanding player and was named Man of the Match.
Zimbabwe is targeting a berth in the IRB World Cup in 2015, buoyed by recent impressive performances.
Post published in: Rugby