Zimbabwe Sables head coach Pieter Benade has named his 23-man squad for Saturday’s World Rugby Nations Cup encounter against Manu Samoa, as the national team returns to international action with another important test in their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The match is scheduled for 7 November at DIY Kitchens Stadium, also known as Wakefield Trinity Stadium, in Wakefield, England, with kick-off set for 1500hrs GMT.

Captain Hilton Mudariki will lead the Sables from the scrum-half position, with experienced fly-half Ian Prior also included in the starting XV.

Benade has retained a strong starting combination, with Victor Mupunga, Liam Larkan and Cleopas Kundiona named in the front row. Dale Lemon and Gary Porter will occupy the second-row positions, while Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo and Aiden Burnett complete the forward pack.

In the backline, Mudariki will partner Prior, while Edward Sigauke and Kudzai Mashawi are named on the wings. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi and Tapiwa Mafura will feature in the centres, with Jason Robertson completing the starting XV at fullback.

The replacements provide Benade with additional options across the different positions, with Matthew Mandioma, Tijde Visser and Borwell Gwinji included among the forward replacements.

Daniel Cooke, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Bruce Houston, Tyrone Gombe and Dion Khumalo complete the matchday squad.

The fixture marks Zimbabwe’s return to Nations Cup action following the opening three rounds of the competition in July, when the Sables faced Tonga, the United States and Canada.

Those encounters provided valuable international exposure as Zimbabwe continued to measure themselves against established rugby nations.

The upcoming meeting with Manu Samoa offers another opportunity for the Sables to assess their progress against quality opposition, particularly as the team works towards the challenge of competing at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

With the tournament approaching, every international fixture carries added importance for Benade and his technical team as they continue building combinations, assessing their options and preparing the squad for the demands of the global competition.

Manu Samoa will provide a significant test, making Saturday’s encounter an important assignment for the Zimbabwean side.

The Sables will be looking to produce a competitive performance and use the opportunity to build momentum as their preparations for Australia 2027 continue.

Zimbabwe Sables Starting XV

1. Victor Mupunga
2. Liam Larkan
3. Cleopas Kundiona
4. Dale Lemon
5. Gary Porter
6. Tinotenda Mavesere
7. Godfrey Muzanargwo
8. Aiden Burnett
9. Hilton Mudariki (C)
10. Ian Prior
11. Edward Sigauke
12. Kudzai Mashawi
13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
14. Tapiwa Mafura
15. Jason Robertson

Replacements: Matthew Mandioma, Tijde Visser, Borwell Gwinji, Daniel Cooke, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Bruce Houston, Tyrone Gombe and Dion Khumalo.