SA ‘A’ secured a 40-00 win against Zimbabwe in an error-ridden game that will not be remembered for long.
Despite dominating all facets of play, SA ‘A’ fumbled three tries before Yaqeen Ahmed cut the Zimbabwean defence in two to score a brilliant individual try after 17 minutes of play in the first half. Ahmed converted the try to extend SA ‘A’s lead to 07-00.
Three minutes later, Markus Muller pounced on a bouncing ball to score SA ‘A’s second try. Ahmed converted again to extend SA ‘A’s lead to 14:00.
With 10 minutes to play in the first half, Haashim Pead sniped from the back of a ruck and scored SA ‘A’s 3rd try; Ahmed converted, extending SA ‘A’s lead to 21-00, which was the halftime score.
Zimbabwe looked a lot better in the second half; however, after 15 minutes of play, Nico Steyn sniped from the back of a ruck to extend SA ‘A’s lead to 28-00, following the conversion by Luan Giliomee.
Imad Khan scored SA ‘A’s fifth try, as SA ‘A’ regained their dominance over Zimbabwe. Giliomee converted, extending SA ‘A’s lead to 35-00 and 13 minutes to play in the second half.
With seconds left on the clock, Jaco Williams controlled a loose kick from Zimbabwe and deservedly scored SA 'A' sixth try to secure a 40-00 win.
Scorers:
SA ‘A’: Tries: Yaqeen Ahmed, Markus Muller, Haashim Pead, Nico Steyn, Imad Khan, Jaco Williams. Conversions: Yaqeen Ahmed (3), Luan Giliomee (2).
Zimbabwe:
Teams:
SA ‘A’: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (c), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter. Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
Zimbabwe: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Trevor Gurwe, 13 Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, 12 Kudza Mashawi, 11 Edward Sigauke, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Hilton Mudariki (c), 8 Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere, 7 Dyan Utete, 6 Simbarashe Siraha, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 3 Bornwell Gwinji, 2 Simba Mandioma, 1 Victor Mapunga. Replacements: 16 Liam Larkan, 17 Tijde Visser, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Daniel Cooke, 20 Tadiwanashe Gwashu, 21 Aiden Burnett, 22 Keegan Joubert, 23 Dion Khumalo.