By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe’s Sables produced a spirited display but ultimately fell just short as they suffered an agonising 36-26 defeat to Tonga in their opening match of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup in Denver on Saturday.
In what served as an early preview of their 2027 Rugby World Cup Pool F clash, the Sables matched the Pacific Islanders for long periods before Tonga’s superior forward power proved decisive in the closing stages.
The lively Denver crowd witnessed a fiercely contested opening, with neither side able to trouble the scoreboard during the first 23 minutes.
Tonga eventually broke the deadlock through Telusa Veainu after a superb looping pass from Patrick Pellegrini before loosehead prop Fatongia Paea crossed for a second try moments later.
Zimbabwe responded impressively when hooker Matthew Mandioma powered over from a driving maul to reduce the deficit.
Despite being reduced to 14 men, Tonga showed their class as Fine Inisi stretched over for a try to hand his side a healthy lead heading into the break.
The Sables came out firing in the second half, inspired by the electric Edward Sigauke.
The 22-year-old showcased his dazzling footwork to carve open the Tongan defence before setting up Tino Mavesere for Zimbabwe’s second try.
Godfrey Muzanargwo then produced a superb finish in the corner to keep Zimbabwe firmly in the contest before Sigauke capped a brilliant individual performance by racing over after receiving a clever pass following Mandioma’s dummy.
With Pellegrini temporarily in the sin bin, Zimbabwe sensed a famous upset, but Tonga’s powerful forward pack responded with two tries in the space of four minutes to seal a hard-earned victory.
Although the result went against them, Zimbabwe will draw plenty of encouragement from a brave performance against one of the established Pacific rugby nations as they continue their preparations for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.