Round 1 of the Nedbank Rugby Cup Challenge delivered compelling narratives as the Junior Sables clashed with Old Georgians in a physically demanding encounter. The Junior Sables, Zimbabwe’s U20 squad, endured a shaky start, struggling to impose structure in the opening exchanges. However, a breakthrough try in the 7th minute momentarily settled nerves. Old Georgians’ swift response just five minutes later—capitalising on defensive disorganisation—highlighted a concerning trend for head coach Shaun de Souza. Similar lapses in concentration marred the Junior Sables’ recent fixture against the Outback Barbarians, suggesting a systemic issue in maintaining intensity after scoring.
To their credit, the Junior Sables regained composure as the match progressed, executing set plays with greater precision and leveraging superior fitness to dominate the second half. A final scoreline of 33-22 flattered their endeavour, but questions linger over their ability to shut down opponents during critical phases. Meanwhile, the Nedbank Grassroots to Greatness side—a developmental squad trialling prospects for 2025—faced a stern test against Harare Sports Club, last season’s hat-trick champions. HSC’s dominance at the scrum and physical superiority exposed the Grassroots’ inexperience, though two late tries showcased the youngsters’ resilience in a 25-13 defeat.
As Round 2 approaches, focus shifts to the Junior Sables’ clash with Old Hararians, where defensive discipline will be paramount. The Grassroots team, meanwhile, must address set-piece frailties ahead of their meeting with Manicaland. While results were mixed, both squads provided glimpses of potential that, if refined, could shape a promising campaign. For Shaun de Souza, balancing immediate results with long-term development remains the ultimate challenge.
Photo credits: Maru’s Photography
