Game-On Reporter
Zimbabwe 15s rugby national team, the Sables moved two places up the World Rugby rankings after successful Middle East/Asia tour.
The Sables are now ranked 27.
The rise on the world rankings solidify the remarkable run by the Sables who are currently enjoying a good run on the field of play.
Despite playing down the rise on ranking Sables coach, Pieter Benade believes the upward move by the Sables will open up opportunities for tough opponents.
“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.
“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 Benade.
The Sables coach said that the target was on World Cup qualification.
“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,” said Benade.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union President, Losson Mtongwiza said the Union was ready to support the team with the main objective of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.
“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.
“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,” said ,” said Mtongwiza.
The Sables are set to end the year on high note with a 100 percent winning rate.
Zimbabwe has won all of their seven matches they have played in 2024.
Results from the 7 internationals:
Battle of the Zambezi:
▪️Zimbabwe 32-28 Zambia
▪️Zambia 17-22 Zimbabwe
Rugby Africa Cup Quarter final:
▪️Zimbabwe 22-20 Uganda
Rugby Africa Cup semifinal:
▪️Zimbabwe 32-10 Namibia
Rugby Africa Cup final:
▪️Zimbabwe 29-3 Algeria
UAE International Tour:
▪️Zimbabwe 62-22 UAE
South Korea International Tour:
▪️Zimbabwe 27-22 South Korea
