The Zimbabwe Sables will seek to strengthen their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup when they host fierce regional rivals Namibia in an International Test at the refurbished National Sports Stadium in Harare on Saturday, 24 October.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 local time (16:00 EAT), with the fixture marking the return of international rugby to the iconic stadium after two decades.

Although classified as a friendly, the encounter carries significant weight for the Sables, who are eager to demonstrate their progress following their historic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, their first appearance at the global showpiece since 1991.

Head coach Pieter Benade has named a squad blending experienced campaigners and emerging talent, with scrum-half Hilton Mudariki captaining the side and flanker Aiden Burnett serving as vice-captain.

The starting XV features Deanne Makoni and Munashe Mhere at prop, with Liam Larkan at hooker. David Hayes will direct proceedings at fly-half, while Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi and Darrel Makwasha feature in the backline, with Tapiwa Mafura at fullback.

Ishmael Bara is in line to make his debut after being named among the replacements, alongside Matthew Mandioma, Emmanuel Gabi, Daniel Cooke, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Vuyani Dhlomo, Keegan Joubert and Dion Khumalo.

The Sables head into the contest seeking to break a long-standing hoodoo against Namibia on home soil. Their last victory over the Namibians in Harare came in 2001, when they edged their opponents 27-26 under coach Henry Pretorius.

Zimbabwe ended their prolonged losing run against Namibia with victories at the 2024 and 2025 Rugby Africa Cups, both staged in Kampala, Uganda. However, Saturday’s match presents a different challenge, with the Sables seeking to replicate that success in front of their home supporters.

The hosts will draw confidence from their recent progress, having qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Australia last July and competed in the World Rugby Nations Cup for the first time.

Zimbabwe endured a difficult Nations Cup campaign in July, losing to Tonga 36-26 in Denver, the United States 31-15 in Charlotte and Canada 31-19 in Winnipeg.

Despite the defeats, the matches provided valuable exposure against international opposition as the team continued building towards the World Cup.

Vice-captain Mashawi believes a home victory would be an important boost for both the team and the country’s rugby fraternity.

“Having qualified for the World Cup and having to play such a friendly at home, we ought to instil some confidence in our fans, and that can only come with a win,” Mashawi said.

He added that the contest against Namibia would be another stepping stone as Zimbabwe continue preparing for the challenges awaiting them in Australia, where they have been drawn in a pool alongside England, Wales and Tonga.

The Sables have spent recent weeks in an intensive training camp working on combinations, set pieces and defensive structures. Saturday’s encounter will provide an opportunity to assess those preparations against familiar opposition.

Benade has, however, had to work around the absence of several foreign-based professionals, including winger Edward Sigauke, fly-half Ian Prior, centres Bruce Houston and Matthew McNab, and forwards Simba Siraha and Tinotenda Mavesere.

The unavailability of French-based props Victor Mupunga and Michael Kumbirai also presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to test their depth in the front row ahead of next year’s global tournament.

Namibia, meanwhile, will arrive in Harare determined to reclaim regional bragging rights. The Namibian Rugby Union has named a 25-player travelling squad comprising 15 forwards and 10 backs for the trip, with the team expressing confidence in its preparations.

The visitors’ experience and physicality are expected to provide a stern examination for the hosts, who will be keen to turn the National Sports Stadium into a fortress.