‘This is the first big step’: Zimbabwe relishes stern SA ‘A’ challenge as Sables launch preparation for World Cup return

Alex Nicholls, former Zimbabwe player and national coach: “We’ve got a year to get ready for what we’re going to face at the World Cup.”

GQEBERHA, South Africa – After Zimbabwe’s only Rugby World Cup appearances in 1987 and 1991, the game in the country went into sharp decline.

Not long ago, it was unthinkable that Zimbabwe would share a field with South Africa, the world’s leading Test rugby nation.

On Saturday in Gqeberha, the Sables face a South Africa ‘A’ side in the curtain-raiser to the unofficial Test between the Springboks and the Barbarians — a clear sign of how far Zimbabwe rugby has come again.

The 2027 World Cup in Australia will mark Zimbabwe’s return to rugby’s biggest stage after 36 years, with fixtures like this forming a key part of their preparation.

That return, however, has been built over time rather than achieved overnight.

Nearly three years ago, a small group of Zimbabweans set out to restore the Sables’ place on the global rugby map, targeting the 2027 World Cup as the foundation of their revival.

Since then, the Sables have gone unbeaten in 15 matches, including back-to-back Rugby Africa Cup titles in 2024 and 2025, with a 30–28 win over Namibia sealing qualification for Australia.

For former Zimbabwe player and national coach Alex Nicholls, who featured in both the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, Saturday’s clash against SA ‘A’ represents a true measure of that progress.

“It’s good for us because this is what we need,” Nicholls told Rugby Africa Media this week.

“We need a sort of wake-up call and pressure game now, so that we know what we’ve got to build on. We’ve got a year to get ready for what we’re going to face at the World Cup. This is that first big step for us to start getting ourselves ready.

“So I think if we come up with the right game plan, there should be an opportunity for us to play well. I’m not saying we’re going to win. To be honest, I think that’s highly unlikely. But sport is sport. We’ve seen Portugal, we’ve seen Georgia come from nowhere to actually do something. And that’s all built on confidence.”

The South Africans have named a young but exciting second-string side for the Zimbabwe tie, with five senior Springboks joining top performers from domestic competitions as well as Under-20 players travelling to Georgia later this month for the Junior World Championship.

“They’ll be relying probably on a lot more talent and experience,” Nicholls said of South Africa ‘A’.

“We now have to find a game plan, a plan that works for us. The forwards are going to be up against it, because when you play those SA teams, it is a lot of brute force. If we’ve got a bit of technique, we should be able to counter that. 

“We just have to climb into them, disrupt them, put them under a lot of pressure from kick-offs. We’ve got to press them hard. Don’t let their guys get going, especially their forwards. We’ve got to meet those forwards every time the Springboks get the ball.”

The 64-year-old Nicholls urged the Sables to earn respect for themselves regardless of the game’s outcome.

“It’s exciting for our boys,” said the former Zimbabwe prop.

“Let’s not get too excited about it because we know what we’re going to be up against. We’ve got to face that reality and man up. This is a time for us to step up and show what we’ve got as Zimbabweans. And I believe that we can do that. I’m looking forward to them getting stuck in and having a good day from that point of view. And I don’t think we’ll disgrace ourselves. Let’s not worry about the score. Let’s worry about how we play in a game like this.”

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has assigned his assistant coach Mzwandile Stick to guide the SA ‘A’ side as the record four-time World Cup winners look to unearth new Bok gems.

“The young players and uncapped guys have really slotted in well in the last week, and one can sense the excitement among them to take the field,” said Stick.

“This match will provide fantastic senior international exposure for them, and for Zimbabwe as well, and I believe they have the goods to play an exciting brand of rugby, which will be great for the coaches to assess our depth as we not only build for this season, but with an eye on the RWC next year as well.

“The key for us this weekend will be to stick to our structures and for the individuals to use the talent that earned them selection for this group, so we are looking forward to seeing what they deliver on the field.”

SOUTH AFRICA ‘A’

Starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter.

Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

ZIMBABWE

Starting XV: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Trevor Gurwe, 13 Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, 12 Kudzai Mashawi, 11 Ed Sigauke, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Hilton Mudariki (captain), 8 Tino Mavesere, 7 Dylan Utete, 6 Simba Siraha, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 3 Bornwell Gwinji, 2 Simba Mandioma, 1 Victor Mupunga.

Replacements: 16 Liam Larkan, 17 Tjde Visser, 18 Michael Kmbirai, 19 Dan Cooke, 20 Tadiwanashe Gwashu, 21 Aiden Burnett, 22 Keegan Joubert, 23 Dion Khumalo.

Where to watch?

SuperSport: Channel 211/SS Rugby

Match Day : Saturday 20 June 2026 (Local SAST Time)

• 12:00 – South Africa ‘A’ Team vs Zimbabwe

Written by Enock Muchinjo