Stormers lock Gary Porter will make his first appearance for Zimbabwe against South Africa A in Gqeberha on Saturday.
The 29-year-old South African, who has earned 29 Stormers caps, qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother.
Porter said Zimbabwe coach Pieter Benade was a key factor in his decision to play for the Sables, who have qualified for next year’s World Cup.
“After meeting coach Piet, I already knew the type of team he would run and what the culture would be like,” he said.
“I wanted to play for a coach like Piet and for Zim, but also to play rugby at the highest level on an international stage.
“I think our chances are really strong against the South Africa A team, as well as hopefully winning the Nations Cup.”
In other notable selections, Sharks loose forward Tinotenda Mavesere will start at No 8 for Zimbabwe, while former SACS and WP U18 hooker Liam Larkan is on the bench.
ZIMBABWE – 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Trevor Gurwe, 13 Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, 12 Kudzai Mashawi, 11 Edward Sigauke, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Hilton Mudariki (c), 8 Tinotenda Mavesere, 7 Dylan Utete, 6 Simbarashe Siraha, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 3 Bornwell Gwinji, 2 Simba Mandioma, 1 Victor Mupunga.
Bench: 16 Liam Larkan, 17 Tijde Visser, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Daniel Cooke, 20 Tadiwanashe Gwashu, 21 Aiden Burnett, 22 Keegan Joubert, 23 Dion Khumalo.
TEAM: Junior Boks spearhead SA A attack
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Stormers lock starts for Zimbabwe appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Stormers lock Gary Porter will make his first appearance for Zimbabwe against South Africa A in Gqeberha on Saturday. The 29-year-old South African, who has earned 29 Stormers caps, qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother. Porter said Zimbabwe coach Pieter Benade was a key factor in his decision to play for the Sables, who have qualified for next year’s… Read more →
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