Zimbabwe XV faced off against Zimbabwe A over the weekend in a crucial internal match aimed at fine-tuning preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup in July, where the Sables will be defending their title. With high stakes and limited time, head coach Piet Benade used the encounter to assess player readiness, provide valuable game time, and shape the core squad.
The match was less about the result and more about performance and player combinations, though Zimbabwe XV did come out on top with a convincing 24-7 win. The game served as a good platform to test tactical systems and player fitness under competitive pressure.
There were notable absentees, as five players – Dion Khumalo, Edward Sigauke, Trevor Gurwe, Ruan Musumhi and Tino Mavesere – were away representing Zimbabwe at the Mauritius 7s, where they helped secure a bronze medal finish. Their return will add further depth and competition for places as the coaching staff edges closer to finalising the squad.
While both teams showed moments of quality, the match also highlighted areas that still need polishing. Handling errors and missed opportunities stood out on both sides, showing that work remains to be done before July.
Still, the internal hit-out was a valuable step in the Sables’ preparation. With a few weeks left before the tournament, there is hope that the team can build on this performance and be ready to rise to the challenge of defending their continental crown.
