The Zimbabwe Under-18 rugby team kicked off their 2025 Academy Week campaign in South Africa with an impressive 42-31 victory over Griquas in a high-scoring encounter at Hoërskool Middelburg.
The Junior Sables outscored their opponents six tries to five, showcasing their pace, power, and backline flair throughout the match.
Zimbabwe got on the board as early as the 3rd minute when flyhalf Rukudzo Mayida slotted a penalty to make it 3-0.
However, Griquas responded immediately through a rolling maul try from Dohan Dege, which was converted by JG van Heerden to give the Kimberley side a 7-3 lead.
The Junior Sables soon found their rhythm, capitalizing on their explosive backline and playing with width.
Right wing Lee Chigumba dotted down for their first try, which was converted by Mayida to reclaim the lead at 10-7.
Zimbabwe continued to pile on the pressure, this time scoring through Julian Nkikavaranda in the corner, though the conversion was missed.
Mayida then added a second penalty to extend the lead to 18-7. Griquas cut the deficit to 18-10 through another van Heerden penalty, but Mayida was again on target with his boot, making it 21-10.
Just before halftime, a lapse in concentration from Zimbabwe allowed Griquas to run from deep in their own half and score a converted try on the stroke of the break, narrowing the gap to 21-17.
The second half saw Griquas strike first through Johannes Fleming, with the try converted to hand them the lead at 24-21.
But Zimbabwe’s electric backline wasn’t done. Mufaro Rukwata Ndoro went over for a try out wide, though it was unconverted. That sparked a strong passage of play for the Junior Sables.
Mayida crossed the whitewash for a try of his own, and Curtis Maashonagnyika followed soon after, both efforts pushing the score to 42-24.
Griquas had the final say, scoring a late try through Hlompo Rooibaadjie, but it was too little, too late.
The Junior Sables held on for a deserved 42-31 win to start their Academy Week on a high.
Share Your Comments