URC duo boost Zimbabwe for SA 'A' clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Zimbabwe head coach Pieter Benade has named his side to face South Africa A in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Stormers lock Gary Porter and Sharks loose forward Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere headline the starting XV for the international friendly.
The other familiar face would be Lions player Tapiwa Mafura at fullback. According to reports, the speedster has been released by the Lions earlier this year at his own request after failing to get game-time for a prolonged period.
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Porter,who qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother, will partner Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa in the second row. Nyakufaringwa has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, marking the Sables’ first appearance at the tournament in more than 30 years.
The front row features Bornwell Gwinji, who has previous experience in France, alongside Simba Mandioma and Victor Mapunga as Zimbabwe look to match the power of the South African scrum.
Mavesere starts at No. 8, with Dyan Utete and Simbarashe Siraha packing down on the flanks.
In the backline, Hilton Mudariki starts at scrumhalf and captains the side.
Former Ulster and Edinburgh playmaker Bruce Houston will marshal proceedings from flyhalf.
In midfield, South Korea-based Brandon Mudzekenyedzi pairs up with Kudza Mashawi.
Edward Sigauke and Trevor Gurwe occupy the wings, while Lions back Tapiwa Mafura starts at fullback.
Among the replacements are former Stormers prop Michael Kumbirai and Liam Larkan, who represented Western Province at the U18 Craven Week in 2016.
Zimbabwe: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Trevor Gurwe, 13 Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, 12 Kudza Mashawi, 11 Edward Sigauke, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Hilton Mudariki (captain), 8 Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere, 7 Dyan Utete, 6 Simbarashe Siraha, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 3 Bornwell Gwinji, 2 Simba Mandioma, 1 Victor Mapunga.
Replacements: 16 Liam Larkan, 17 Tijde Visser, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Daniel Cooke, 20 Tadiwanashe Gwashu, 21 Aiden Burnett, 22 Keegan Joubert, 23 Dion Khumalo.
Date: Saturday, June 20
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
Kick-off: 12.00 SAST (10.00 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron
Assistant referees: Sean Muller, Dylen November
TMO: Marius Jonker
