RUGBY TEST MATCH: Africa Cup, Pool C

03.07.2010
Zimbabwe v Madagascar in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C)

Venue: Hartsfield Rugby Club Ground

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Preview
Zimbabwe and Madagascar shape up for a guaranteed place in Novembers Africa Cup finals. The winner will head to the finals whilst the loser still has a chance to qualify as the best second placed team across all three pools. South Africa's top referee Jonathan Kaplan will officiate.

Zimbabwe gave a hint last year that they may be heading back towards the top of African rugby. They won all their games in Gaborone including a 31-22 win over today's opponent Madagascar.

Madagascar is almost unique in African rugby. The level of support for the game surpasses that of soccer. Crowds of 30,000 will attend an important international rugby match. The national side qualified for today's final with a comfortable 36-18 win over Zambia last Wednesday.

More previews
http://www.irb.com/rankings/news/newsid=2039399.html#car+victoria+cup+affect+rankings

Last Five Encounters
20.07.2009 Zimbabwe 31-22 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
07.07.2007 Madagascar 30-29 in Harare (CAR Africa Cup, Div.1, South B)
12.08.2006 Drawn 22-22 in Bulawayo (CAR Africa Cup, Group D)
29.08.2004 Madagascar 23-18 in Antanarivo (CAR Div.1, Pool B, South 1)
19.07.2003 Madagascar 21-0 in Harare by default

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 10th, Madagascar 11th
IRB Ranking Points-Madagascar 46.90, Zimbabwe 46.11

Prediction: A close game-Zimbabwe by 3 points

Teams

Zimbabwe Squad
A.Sairai, V. Hove, J. Butchanan, D. Mutamangira, R. Gurumani, Z. Tondoro, G. Nechironga, J. Leitao, N. Mukondiwa, T. Mafi, D. Robertson, T. Nemadire, L. Machanjaire, G. Sibanda P. Staark, D. Hondo, W. Mbanje, T. Mhende, S. Johns, J. Rowe, P. Jessub, D. Mutamangira, S. Sibanda, P. Chitenderu, N. Ndlovu, S. Sibanda
Technical Team: Brandon Dawson (coach), Cyprian Mandenge (assistant coach), Noddy Kanyangarara (manager), Farai Muguwe (physiotherapist).

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=20603&cat=5

Madagascar Squad not available