BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Rampant Zimbabwe were at their flamboyant best to thump rivals Kenya 64-10 in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy fifth-place play off in Nairobi on Sunday with an entertaining brand of rugby, in typical style, to extend their growing dominance over the East Africans.
The masterful Young Sables scored eight tries to set themselves up for their record biggest win in history of this tournament, made so much sweeter by the Kenya being the recipient of that mauling.
It was an assured and swashbuckling performance for the Young Sables who showed their intent early with three line break tries from winger and double-scorer Tawanda Matipano as well as out-side centre Dion Khumalo.
Once the lively Zimbabweans got into their stride, the host nation was in sixes-and-sevens, unable to get into any sort of rhythm as the Young Sables were running rings around them.
It was a show of strong running, elaborate offloads and lethal finishing that Zimbabwe came into the game with – with both backs and forwards in sync – and it paid dividends early on.
Tight-head prop Tawida Chimwada then dived over lowly to score from a powerful driving maul, adding a third for Shaun De Souza’s men. Fullback Benoni Nhekairo added another five-pointer from a slick move to give the Zimbabweans a 33-0 half-time lead, stunning a strong Nyayo National Stadium home crowd.
Outstanding eighthman Shingi Manyarara and scrumhalf Simbarashe Kanyangarara extended the lead early in the second half with tries scored off wonderful work across the field.
Replacement scrumhalf Shaddy Mandaza and second row Muzuva Gutu then wrapped up the rout with two delightful tries.
James Tsinalo got the consolation try for the Kenyans.
