Three matches, three weeks, three countries and now the final chapter. The Zimbabwe Sables wrap up their 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup campaign in Winnipeg on Sunday when they face hosts Canada in what head coach Pieter Benade will be hoping is a performance that sends his side home on a high.
Tinotenda Mavesere continues as captain for the Nations Cup finale, with head coach Pieter Benade making a number of changes to the side that faced the USA Eagles last weekend. Tijde Visser, Bryan Chiang and Farai Mudariki form the front row, with Gary Porter and Godfrey Muzanargwo retained in the second row. The back row features Tadiwanashe Gwashu at blindside, Mavesere at openside and Aiden Burnett at number eight. Tyrone Gombe starts at scrumhalf with Bruce Houston at flyhalf, while Kudzai Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi continue their centre partnership. Edward Sigauke and Matthew McNab are named on the wings with Tapiwa Mafura at fullback.
A bench featuring considerable experience includes Liam Larkan, Victor Mupunga, Cleopas Kundiona, Jason Fraser, Simbarashe Siraha, Dion Khumalo, Keegan Joubert and Ian Prior, giving Benade strong replacement options as the Sables look to finish their international window on a positive note.
The match kicks off at 02:00 CAT on Sunday 19 July, with Zimbabwean supporters able to follow the action in the early hours of the morning.
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*ZIMBABWE SABLES STARTING XV VS CANADA — 2026 WORLD RUGBY NATIONS CUP:*
Tijde Visser, Bryan Chiang, Farai Mudariki, Gary Porter, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Tinotenda Mavesere (captain), Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Aiden Burnett, Tyrone Gombe, Bruce Houston, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura.
Replacements: Liam Larkan, Victor Mupunga, Cleopas Kundiona, Jason Fraser, Simbarashe Siraha, Dion Khumalo, Keegan Joubert, Ian Prior.
