Zimbabwe Sables will represent Africa in Rugby World Cup 2027 after they defeated Namibia 30-28 in the final of Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala.
Namibia were first on the board when Cliven Loubster slotted in a penalty but Ian Prior cancelled Namibia’s lead minutes later with a well taken penalty. Loubster regained Namibia’s lead with a penalty but Prior again levelled the scores to tie the game at 6-6.
Zimbabwe’s First Try
Zimbabwe Sables claimed the first try of the game through inside centre Kudzai Mashawi converted by the Australian born Zimbabwean halfback Ian Prior.
Cliven Lobster reduced the margin minutes later with a penalty but Ian Prior would again extend Sables’ lead. Namibian captain Prince iGaoseb touched down 5 minutes to halftime bumping off Kudzai Mashawi on the way to score. Cliven Loubster converted Goaseb’s try to tie the scores at 16-16.
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Zimbabwe Sables scored the first points of the second half through lock Geoffrey Muzanargwo to reclaim their lead. Ian Prior was accurate with the conversion.
Zimbabwe extended their lead moments later when Brandon Mudzekenyezi beat his markers to score. Prior added the extras to take the scores to 30-16.
Right from the restart, Namibia responded with a try in the corner but conversion attempt by Loubster went wide. Namibia were again on the board in the 70th minute when Adrian Booysen scored with Tiaan Swanepoel converting to bring the scores to 30-28.
Zimbabwe Sables would then hold on to win the game 30-28, a win that books their slot in the Rugby World Cup in Australia 2027.
