The Sables who are coming off a 31 – 23 defeat against Tunisia last week in Harare failed to pick up a losing bonus point and are under immense pressure to register their second win of the competition in what has been a forgettable couple of seasons for them.
Last year they lost all their games and were due to be relegated to Africa 1B before the tournament was restructured this year.
The defeat in Harare also saw them slip to their lowest ever ranking of 40 on the World Rugby Rankings, something that will worry a proud rugby nation like Zimbabwe.
With 1st and 2nd place having been decided last week due to Namibia and Kenya’s insurmountable points, Zimbabwe have a slim chance of finishing 3rd in this year’s competition if they beat the Cranes by a bonus point and 30+ points.
A 3rd place finish will guarantee either side 3 home fixtures in next year’s competition, a crucial factor in a World Cup qualification year.
Uganda who had a bye last week, suffered their first defeat of the season against Namibia a couple of weeks ago and will be looking to finish their term with a win and secure an all important 3rd place finish.
At a packed Legends Ground, it would be very difficult to bet against them getting a result.
John Duncan and his coaching staff have rejuvenated the Cranes over the last few months and that has turned them into very formidable opponents. They are currently ranked 4 places above Zimbabwe.
Uganda have made a few changes to their team that faced Namibia at Legends Grounds in their last hit out.
Byron Oketayot comes in for Ronald Musajja at blind side with the latter dropping to the bench. Elusive fullback Philip Wokorach moves to fly half to cover for the injured Ivan Magomu who will start from the bench. James Odong returns from injury to start at full back.
Zimbabwe have also made a few changes with Witness Mandizha ,Riaan O’Neil and Matthew Mandioma replacing Antipas Kamukwendo, Dan Capsopoulos and Brandon Sweet respectively. Utility back,Tinashe Gwisai also makes way for the returning Lenience Tambwera.
Team Lists
Uganda 1st 22
- Asuman Mugerwa, 2. Alex Mubiru, 3. Brian Odongo-(c), 4. Charles Uhuru, 5. Mathias Ochwo, 6. Byron Oketayot, 7. Brian Asaba, 8. Scott Oluoch, 9. Aaron Ofoyrwoth, 10. Philip Wokorach, 11. Lawrence Sebuliba, 12. Pius Ogena, 13. Micheal Okorach, 14. Justin Kimono, 15. James Odong
Replacements: 16. Syrus Watum, 17. Collin Kimbowa, 18. Saul Kivumbi, 19. Robert Aziku, 20. Ronald Musajja, 21. Kevin Makmot, 22. Ivan Magomu, 23. Fred Odur
Zimbabwe Squad
1.Denford Mutamangira ©, 2.Tolerance Zishe, 3.Lawrence Cleminson, 4.Kingsley Lang, 5.Fortunate Chipendu, 6.Jacques Leitao, 7.Biselele Tshamala, 8.Njabulo Ndlovu, 9.Hilton Mudariki, 10.Tichafara Makwanya, 11.Stephan Hunduza, 12.Riaan O’Neill, 13.Ngoni Chibuwe, 14.Takudzwa Kumadiro, 15.Tadius Dzandiwanzira,16.Royal Mwale, 17.Irvine Nduwa, 18.Matthew Mandioma, 19.Witness Mandizha, 20.Takudzwa Mandiwanza, 21.Scotty Jones, 22.Gavin Nyawata, 23.Lenience Tambwera
Credit : Kyros Sports
