Zim head for JWRT
In the Final of the Confederation of African Rugby’s Under-19 tournament in Nairobi Zimbabwe smashed Namibia to qualify for nest year’s International Rugby Board’s Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT).
The Zimbabweans turned the tables on the Namibians who beat them in last year’s CAR tournament and so went to the JWRT.
It was a case of third time lucky as Zimbabwe beat Namibia 39-7 in the CAR (Confederation of African Rugby) Under 19 Championship final in Nairobi on Monday to book their place at next year’s IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy.
Namibia had beaten their rivals in the two previous finals, including a 16-13 triumph in 2008, but this time Zimbabwe had the edge and their tactic of shutting down their opponents and not allowing them time to build momentum had the desired result.
Zimbabwe can now look forward to a first appearance in the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy – the second tier competition at Under 20 level – as Africa’s representatives. The Host Union and dates for the tournament will be confirmed in due course.
The Zimbabweans were quick out of the blocks in a match played at high pace, barely allowing the top seeds a chance to settle, with flank Brendan Chapman scoring in the ninth minute.
Even the loss of second row Schalk Ferreira within minutes did not derail Zimbabwe and following his return flyhalf Farai Mupasiri kicked a drop goal and then converted wing Tafadzwa Chitokwindo’s try to send his side in leading 17-0 at half time.
Namibia, who have finished fifth at the two previous Junior World Rugby Trophy’s, started the second half better with replacement wing Chase Dirgaard breaking through the defence to open their account, although Zirk Coetzee’s conversion would be his side’s last score.
Instead it was Zimbabwe, who sparked back into life at the 50-minute mark when some good running by the backs created a try for wing Terrence Kuvarega. Two minutes later Ferreira sprinted through the defence to stretch their advantage to 29-7.
There was still time for Mupasiri to kick a penalty and Chitokwindo to score his second try of the final played at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa Grounds in the Kenya capital of Nairobi – one of the venues for the Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 back in April.
“This was sweet revenge,” said try scorer Chapman, who had been played in last year’s final defeat. “We expected it to be a close game and had planned to defend in every department, lock up their forwards and play in space.
“Namibia did not give up but exerted pressure up to the last minute. I think they were shocked after we led 17-0. It was also unlucky that their kicker Johan Deysel, who had been very accurate in the past matches, was not on form today.”
Namibia coach Heink Botha was gracious in defeat, saying: “I have no complaints. We were totally outplayed by a very good side who deserved to win. This was not our day and Zimbabwe barely let us settle in the game.”
Final Round
1st/2nd: Zimbabwe vs Namibia , 29-7
3rd/4th: Tunisia vs Kenya, 28-11
5th/6th: Uganda vs Morocco, 22-0
7th/8th: Zambia vs Kenya B, 15-6
Previous Results
Day 1
Kenya vs Morocco, 28-14
Namibia vs Zambia, 85-0
Tunisia vs Kenya B, 45-6
Zimbabwe vs Uganda 25-0
Day 2
Namibia vs Kenya, 29-3
Zimbabwe vs Tunisia, 24-12
Morocco vs Zambia, 34-11
Uganda vs Kenya B, 24-10
From the IRB
