A NETHERLANDS team led by former Springboks assistant coach Dick Muir will this Saturday provide Zimbabwe a much-needed chance to challenge themselves ahead of World Cup qualifiers in France next week.
Zimbabwe arrived in France last week for the qualifiers following their participation in the Currie Cup in South Africa. The squad then took the short flight to Amsterdam for the historic first Test against the Dutch in preparation for the African contest over the next few weeks.
Not featuring for Zimbabwe against the Dutch is classy backliner Tapiwa Mafura, who will only fly to France after the Currie Cup final between his Pumas side and Griquas this Saturday. Mafura has been picked to start on the right wing in that epic match in Kimberly.
Other qualifiers-bound players to miss the Dutch clash are loose forward Tapiwa Tsomondo and utility back Riaan O’Neill, who will be waiting for their teammates to return to France, where they are based and had long campaigns in the just-ended season.
Although rugby is a minor but growing sport in the Netherlands, the national team, nicknamed The Oranges, is considered one of the strongest tier-three sides in European rugby.
On the world rankings, they are positioned 26th, eight places above Zimbabwe on 34.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have included six Europe-based players in the starting line-up, led upfront by the powerful tight-head Cleopas Kundiona.
The 22-year-old prop recently completed a move from French third-tier side Stade Olympique Chambéry to Pro D2 club USON Nevers, who play in the second league of France’s rugby system.
Kundiona did not taste much action in the Currie Cup for Zimbabwe in South Africa, but is expected to be one of the Sables’ key men in their World Cup qualification quest.
The Sables have been welcome in the Dutch capital by a jolly group of Zimbabweans living there, including musician and dancer Vimbai Zimuto, who will sing the national anthem before the match against Netherlands, a friendly tie carrying Test status.
SQUAD
Starting line-up: 1. Tyran Fagan 2. Matthew Mandioma 3. Cleopas Kundiona 4. Sean Beevor 5. Godfrey Muzanargwo 6. Jason Fraser 7. Biselele Tshamala 8. Nyasha Tarusenga 9. Hilton Mudariki (captain) 10. Marcus Nel 11. Shingi Katsvere 12. Takudzwa Chieza 13. Matthew McNab 14. Shayne Makombe 15. Takudzwa Musingwini.
Subs: 16. Liam Larkan 17. Victor Mupunga 18. Bornwell Gwinji 19. Godwin Mangenje 20. Johan Du Preez 21. Kyle Galloway 22. James Forrester 23. Ngoni Chibuwe.-STAFF WRITER
