FORMER Sharks lock Andrew Evans (pictured) starts for Zimbabwe against Georgia this Saturday for the country’s return to Currie Cup rugby while scrumhalf Ernest Mudzengerere is among the substitutes after reversing his decision to quit the sport two years ago.
24-year-old Evans is one of the biggest recruits by Zimbabwe in the country’s bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup in France.
Other highly-rated newcomers will join the team in the later stage of the Currie Cup First Division, where the Zimbabwean side – playing in the tournament as Goshawks – will participate in eight matches.
Evans features in an exciting second-row partnership with another tall enforcer, Kudakwashe “Goofy” Nyakufaringwa.
The other new players in the set-up, making the starting line-up, are all in the backline. These are wing Munashe Chaitezvi, outside-centre Russell Dinha and fullback Connor Kennedy.
Chaitezvi is an explosive outside-back for the University of Johannesburg’s Varsity Cup team, one of the players tipped to shine in the Currie Cup this season.
Former Prince Edward School and Zimbabwe Under-20 captain Russell Dinha, nephew of Sables legend Costa Dinha, has recently been playing his rugby abroad.
Kennedy lives in the United Arab Emirates and plays club rugby over there for Dubai Exiles.–STAFF WRITER.
SQUAD
Starting line-up: 1. Victor Mupunga 2. Matthew Mandioma 3. Bornwell Gwinji 4. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa 5. Andrew Evans 6. Biselele Tshamala 7. Tonderai Chiwambutsa 8. Aiden Burnett 9. Hilton Mudariki 10. Boyd Rouse 11. Munashe Chaitezvi 12. Takudzwa Chieza 13. Russell Dinha 14. Darrel Makwasha 15. Connor Kennedy.
Subs: 16. Aaron Juma 17. Deanne Makoni 18. Panashe Rukodzi 19. Godwin Mangenje 20. Dylan Utete 21. Ernest Mudzengerere 22. Brendon Marume 23. Tawanda Matipano.
