CAPE TOWN – Zimbabwe ended their 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens campaign on a high with a 31-17-0 victory against Jamaica at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.
The result secured 23rd place out of 24 teams for Graham Kaulback’s side, who finished the weekend in South Africa with one win and three defeats.
Knocked out of main contention on Friday after losing 31-7 against Canada in the pre-round of 16, it got worse for the Cheetahs after they lost 28-0 to Hong Kong in the Bowl Competition quarterfinals, on Saturday.
Zimbabwe put their best performance of the competition for the first time but their efforts were in vain after narrowly going down 21-19 against South Korea.
The loss against South Korea meant the Cheetahs faced the grim prospect of finishing the competition without a win after dropping to the 23/24th position playoff.
Fortunately for head coach Kaulback, his players redeemed themselves with a comfortable victory against Jamaica on Sunday morning.
The Cheetahs ran in five impressive through Kudzai Mashawi, Sam Phiri, Nigel Tinarwo while the Muneta twins, Munopa and Munesu also scored a try each.
Playmaker Ryan Musumhi, who had a solid debut on his World Cup debut chipped in with three conversions.
Jamaica hit back with three late tries from Ashley Smith, Ronaldeni Fraser and Ryan Denvir towards the end while Rhodri Adamson managed a solitary conversion but it was a little too late as the Cheetahs held on for a consolation win.
Source: ZimSportLive
