Ian Prior inspires Zimbabwe Sables to Rugby Africa Cup Semifinals

By Agencies

UGANDA: In a man-of-the-match performance, flyhalf Ian Prior has guided Zimbabwe Sables to the next stage of the Rugby Africa Cup.

The Southern Africans cruised to a 43-8 victory against the newly promoted Atlas Lions of Morocco in the first game of the day, booking themselves a date with either Uganda or Kenya in the semifinals.

Prior had a 100% kicking record on the day off penalties and conversions. This achievement was possible in part due to the Zimbabwe players scoring next to the poles, but largely because the experience of former Super Rugby playmaker is simply that good, even spotting in kicks close to the touchline.

The supporting cast of Tapiwa Mafura, Hilton Mudariki and Edward Sigauke shone amidst a light morning shower at the Mandela National Stadium at Namboole.

The Zimbabwe forwards also came to the party, with loose forwards Tinotenda Mavesere and Jason Fraser putting in the tackles and big carries.

The Sables now have some homework to do on their lineouts as Simba Mundiona couldn’t hit his number on a few occasions, as well as finding trouble in defending the Moroccan maul.