How Kenya Simbas plan to upset Zimbabwe in Rugby Africa Cup

Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has laid out a strategic plan as his team gears up to face defending champions Zimbabwe in a high-stakes Rugby Africa Cup semifinal on Sunday, 13 July, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

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This do-or-die clash will see the winner proceed to the final of the tournament, a clash that guarantees the victor a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The Simbas marched into the semifinals with a gutsy 32-24 win over hosts Uganda Cranes, while Zimbabwe flexed their muscle in a commanding 43-8 triumph over Morocco.

Leading Zimbabwe’s charge was flyhalf Ian Prior, who scored a whopping 23 points through five penalties and four conversions.

With that in mind, Paarwater urged his charges to avoid errors that would give their opponents penalties, as Prior would punish them heavily.

“We know they are a quality side and that we cannot afford to give a lot of penalties because their kicker does not miss any kick,” Paarwater offered.

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The South African tactician is further aware of the mental and tactical dimensions of the encounter.

He noted that the outcome would hinge less on brute strength and more on focus, decision-making, and composure under pressure.

“It’s a mental game now. There is not much you can do apart from analyzing their strong points and working on ours and how we manage the game. It is also going to be a tough game which can go down to the last minute," he disclosed.

The Sables head into the match buoyed not just by form, but by national backing.

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Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has offered the team a US$100,000 incentive, approximately Ksh 13 million to fuel their World Cup dream.

Zimbabwe last featured at the global showpiece in 1991, when they became the first African nation to do so.

However, Paarwater remains unfazed, urging his charges to stay grounded and focused on the task at hand.

“The message to the boys will be the first one is done and we do not get ahead of ourselves. We just have to keep the concentration up because I cannot say we are going to work hard in the next game. All the preparation, the work, was already done in South Africa," he disclosed.

With the tournament expanding from 20 to 24 teams, the Simbas have a stronger chance of qualifying, but only if they rise to the occasion.