Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables U20 will face a formidable test of skill and strategy on the nineteenth of March as they take on the touring Outback Barbarians at 15:30 in Bulawayo. This thrilling encounter forms part of the Barbarians’ six-match Southern Africa tour, which includes fixtures in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. For the Junior Sables, fresh off the competitive Paramount Garment League, the match offers a golden opportunity to harness their match sharpness against international opposition while fine-tuning preparations for the 2025 Barthes Trophy—a tournament Zimbabwe is proudly hosting.
The Outback Barbarians’ tour arrives at an ideal moment for the Junior Sables. Having recently concluded their domestic league campaign, Coach Shaun de Souza’s squad will enter the clash with a critical advantage: peak match fitness. These fixtures are very important as they serve as a litmus test for De Souza to assess his emerging talents ahead of the Barthes Trophy 2025, Africa’s premier U20 rugby competition. The trophy serves as a gateway to the World Rugby Junior World Trophy, where Africa’s top junior teams compete globally.
All eyes will be on Bulawayo’s rugby faithful as the city hosts what promises to be a pulsating contest. The Barbarians, renowned for their adventurous style and blend of international prospects, will challenge the Junior Sables’ defensive structure and attacking creativity. For Zimbabwe, the match is a chance to showcase the nation’s burgeoning rugby talent and build momentum ahead of their 2025 Barthes Trophy campaign—a historic opportunity to qualify for the global stage on home soil.
While the Barbarians’ tour spans four Southern African nations, their clash with Zimbabwe carries added weight. As Barthes Trophy hosts, the Junior Sables are under pressure to deliver a statement performance. A strong showing could galvanise local support and provide psychological momentum while also offering De Souza critical insights into his squad’s readiness.
With the Barthes Trophy looming, every tackle, line break, and tactical decision in this fixture will be scrutinised. For Zimbabwe’s junior stars, it’s an audition for a chance to etch their names into the forefront of Head Coach Shaun de Souza and secure a jersey for the Barthes Trophy.
