By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe head coach Pieter Benade has made three changes to his side to take on Algeria in the Rugby Africa Cup final in Kampala on Sunday.
Australia-born flyhalf Ian Prior, who impressed in the Sables’ remarkable run to the final is one of the three omissions from the Zimbabwe squad together with prop Cleopas Kundiona, who plays for French outfit USON Nevers and Sharks flank Tino Mavesere.
The trio left camp soon after Zimbabwe’s historic 32-10 semifinal win against Namibia on Wednesday due to “personal and professional commitments.”
The absence of the three star players is expected to provide a stern test to the depth in the Zimbabwe squad against a tricky Algerian side which upstaged Kenya to reach the final.
Man of the moment Tapiwa Mafura, who has been in sensational form at fullback, starts at flyhalf in place of the mercurial Prior who had to return to Australia due to personal reasons.
Mafura’s move to flyhalf sees Takudzwa Musingwini being switched from left wing to fullback while Trevor Gurwe takes the latter’s pace at wing.
Meanwhile lock forward Godfrey Muzanargwo, who also plays in the backrow replaces his friend Blithe Mavesere who has returned to the Sharks
In the front row tighthead prop Bornwell Gwinji has replaced the colossal Kundiona, who has returned to France due to club commitments while lock forward Godfrey Muzanargwo, who also plays in the back row, has been added to the squad.
The 5-3 split sees wing Darrell Makwasha come on to the bench while veteran tighthead prop, Brian Makamure, the only player still active from the 2012 title winning Sables team, comes onto the replacements for Gwinji.
Zimbabwe Squad to face Algeria
Starting line-up (1-15): Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Bornwell Gwinji, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Dylan Utete, Aiden Burnett, Aiden Burnett, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Tapiwa Mafura, Trevor Gurwe, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Edward Sigauke, Takudzwa Musingwini
Replacements: (16-23): Liam Larkan, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Brian Makamure, David Makamba, Tadiwa Gwashu, Darrell Makwasha, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo