The Junior Sables secured a gritty 39-33 victory over the touring Outback Barbarians in a fiercely contested match at Hartsfield in Bulawayo yesterday. While the win is a positive result for Zimbabwe’s U20 side, the performance exposed areas that require improvement, particularly in set-pieces and defensive organisation.
The Junior Sables struggled to find their rhythm in the early exchanges, with miscommunication and overthrows at the lineout disrupting their attacking flow. Despite dominating possession and spending six minutes inside the Barbarians’ 22 metre, they failed to capitalise on their opportunities. The visitors’ defensive resilience was on full display, frustrating the hosts and setting the tone for a highly competitive encounter.
Eventually, the breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Wayne Kunaka, showcasing sharp awareness and quick thinking, spotted an opening from a quick tap penalty. Exploiting a gap in the defensive line, he sprinted the full 22 metres, selling a brilliant dummy to the fullback before dotting down. However, the Barbarians wasted no time responding, crossing the whitewash just three minutes later to level the score at 7-7.
The opening exchanges set the stage for a thrilling tit-for-tat battle, with both teams refusing to back down. The lead changed hands multiple times as the two sides exchanged tries in quick succession, keeping the crowd on edge. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Outback Barbarians held a slender 21-20 advantage, having exposed gaps in the Junior Sables’ defensive line.
As the second half progressed, the Junior Sables gradually settled into the game. Their attacking structure improved, and they showed greater patience in possession. However, defensive lapses and a lack of team cohesion continued to trouble them, allowing the Barbarians to remain within striking distance.
Despite the defensive inconsistencies, Zimbabwe’s forwards began to impose themselves, gaining ascendancy in key moments. Pharrell Maziwa, in particular, played a crucial role with his relentless work rate and physical presence around the park. His hunger for possession and commitment at the breakdown kept the Barbarians under pressure.
Wayne Kunaka was another standout performer, dictating play with quick ball distribution and decisive decision-making. His game management was instrumental in keeping the Junior Sables’ attack ticking, especially in the latter stages when the match was in the balance.
In the end, the Junior Sables edged ahead to seal a 39-33 victory, but the contest highlighted key areas for improvement. Poor defensive organisation, lapses in concentration, and occasional breakdowns in team cohesion are aspects that must be addressed as the team prepares for tougher assignments.
Nevertheless, securing a win against a physically demanding and well-drilled Barbarians side is a step in the right direction. The match provided valuable game time for the squad, testing their resilience and adaptability under pressure. With refinement in execution and better defensive discipline, the Junior Sables have the potential to develop into a unified unit on the international stage.
