Zimbabwe is now 28th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings – their highest position since they were 26th in November 2015 – after beating Algeria 29-3 in yesterday’s Rugby Africa Men’s Cup final at the multi-purpose Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, Kampala, Uganda.
Zimbabwe won their first Rugby Africa Men’s Cup in 12 years in the tournment after ending Namibia’s 10-year reign as African champions, which included six titles, in the semi-finals.
Algeria had reached their first final on the back of impressive wins over Ivory Coast and Kenya, while the Zimbabwe Sables were chasing their second title having last won the competition in 2012.
Zimbabwe rose to the challenge and were deserved winners on the day, scoring four tries without conceding any in reply.
Right wing Trevor Gurwe set them on their way with a couple of first-half tries, but it was not until late in the match that the Sables could relax, with tries from replacement front-row Liam Larkan and openside Godfrey Muzanargwo sealing the deal in the last seven minutes.
Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki said: “This is a dream come true for every player and staff member.
We dedicate this victory to the millions of Zimbabweans who have supported us throughout our journey.
“This is just the beginning, and we are committed to building on this success. This win is not just for the team, it is for the 16 million Zimbabweans dotted around the world.”
Algeria’s run to their first final saw them placed at a record high of 58th, having started the month in 69th.
Even though it’s reign was stopped by Zimbabwe, Namibia’s Welwitchias bounced back yesterday to beat Kenya 38-27, with inside-centre Denzo Bruwer’s boot contributing 18 points to a win that prevents them sliding any more than one place down the rankings to 25th.
Two defeats in a week for Kenya, who lost to Algeria in the semi-finals, have resulted in the Simbas falling three places to 37th.
Tournament hosts Uganda took fifth place after a thrilling 34-31 win over Senegal.
About 104 minutes of rugby had been played before Joseph Aredo’s penalty split the uprights to settle the contest.
Uganda moved above Kenya in 36th, having a climbed a place over the course of a week, when the rankings are updated.
Ivory Coast beat Burkina Faso 23-10 to win the seventh place play-off but they are now six places worse off in the rankings in 62nd.
