By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe’s flagship rugby side, the Sables have made significant strides in the latest World Rugby Rankings, climbing to position 27 following their successful tours of the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.
The latest ranking is Zimbabwe’s highest on the global standings since they were 26th in November 2015.
The Sables capped off their end of year tour with a closely-fought 27-22 win away to South Korea on Saturday on the last leg of the Sables’ end-of-year tour.
Zimbabweans had eased past the UAE 62-22 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on November 5 before heading to Asia.
Sables head coach Pieter Benade said the team’s upward trajectory on the World Rugby Rankings would lead to playing opportunities against higher ranked teams.
“While we don’t place excessive importance on rankings, it’s undeniable that climbing the ladder provides us with valuable opportunities to face tougher opponents,” said Sables coach Pieter Benade.
“The climb in rankings is an indication that we are trending in the right direction, and hopefully, we can start organising test matches and competing with the teams between 20 and 25.”
“Our primary focus remains on achieving our long-term goal of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup, but it needs to be a result of a process where we are doing things correctly both on and off the field,” Benade added.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union President Losson Mtongwiza echoed the team’s sentiments.
“As a Union, we would always want to play at the highest level. Resources permitting, we would like to play with teams ranked above us as often as we can,” said Mtongwiza.
“The goal is to ensure, by all means, that we secure World Cup status and that our local systems enjoy the trickle-down benefits accrued from that level.”