Zimbabwe have been crowned champions of the 2024 edition of the Rugby Africa Cup 15s. The Sables saw off Algeria 29-03 in the Rugby Africa Cup final at Namboole on Sunday, bringing an end to ten days of thrilling action.
Having come into the tournament as favorites, Zimbabwe didn’t disappoint, finishing as invincibles. They grinded through a 22-20 victory against Uganda on matchday one. This set up a semi-final date against Namibia, which they dispatched 32-10.
Despite the absence of mercurial flyhalf Ian Prior, Zimbabwe came into the final as favorites. They wasted no time as Takudzwa Musingwini set up Trevor Gurwe to score a try for the commercials. The Zimbabwe forwards dominated Algeria in the breakdowns and scrums. Scrumhalf Hiton Mudariki took advantage of a stable scrum to set up youngster Gurwe for his double on the blindside. The Sables went to the break leading 12-03.
However, Algeria had a disaster class in decision-making, choosing to go for contact when they won penalties within kickable range in the first half.After the interval, Algeria’s Julien Serge Caminati was a shadow of himself on the boot. In a bid to stop Zimbabwe from running away with the game, he fluffed numerous penalty attempts from difficult angles.
Zimbabwe spotless
On the other hand, Piet Benade’s charges maintained composure, with player of the tournament Tapiwa Mafura persistently asking questions of the Algerian defense. Mafura took over kicking duties from Musingwini by dispatching a well-taken 48-meter penalty. The Sables scored two unanswered tries in the last six minutes of the game to secure their title. Keegan Joubert powered over in the corner from a well-organized maul off a line-out.
Edward Sigauke danced through the Algerians to set up Brandon Mudzekenyedzi to win it for Zimbabwe.The Sables coach Piet Benade was voted coach of the tournament.
Rugby Africa Cup final positions:
1. Zimbabwe.
2. Algeria.
3. Namibia.
4. Kenya.
5. Uganda.
6. Senegal.
7. Côte d’Ivoire.
8. Burkina Faso.
Uganda will host next year’s edition, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. With Africa getting a second direct slot to the tournament, finalists of next year’s edition will automatically qualify.
Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah commended Uganda for their hospitality throughout the tournament. He also highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament, which shows the growth of the sport in all the nations.
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