Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
RUGBY experts have predicted a tough battle when the Sables take on Russia in a one-off make-or-break World Cup qualifier play-off in Siberia today.
Former Sables coach Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa feels Brendan Dawson’s men have a chance and all they need is to come out and play without lapses of concentration that seem to have hampered them in their last game.

Godwin Murambiwa (Under-18 coach and former Sables Coach)
“I have to give Zimbabwe a chance, they have a chance of winning that game because the European teams have a tendency of underrating African teams and that they are ranked above Zimbabwe could work against them (the Russians). It will be a tough match, though, and the downside for Zimbabwe is that Russia are at home, they have a lot of resources and support from both their Government and the crowd.

“I just hope that all is well in camp because we have a youthful bunch of players that are enthusiastic about going to the World Cup and they know this is their only chance of progressing, they have to fight hard as they are in a corner.

“So Zimbabwe need to play for the entire 80 minutes and the fact that international referee Nigel Owens is handling the match puts to rest any thoughts of being cheated.”

Donald Mangenje (former Cheetahs and Sables scrummy)
“Zimbabwe has a huge advantage in that we have a very balanced team and from the first game in Madagascar they improved with each game they played and we expect them to carry on with the momentum. But I feel that upfront the services of Denford Mutamangira (loose-head prop) will be missed a lot given that he was our most consistent player in Madagascar, his ball carrying skills and power.

“Psychologically we are better because there are a number of players who have met and beaten Russia a number of times, though in Sevens, the likes of captain Daniel Hondo, Jacques Leitao, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo and Fortune Chipendu and that also is a huge confidence-booster.

Igor Nikolaichuk (Krasny Yar Rugby Club coach)
“My prediction is clear, the Russian team will win this must-win game. We cannot concede a defeat in this game because everyone he will be rallying behind Russia as they are at home and the whole of Krasnoyarsk will be at the stadium.

“I am confident that our fans are just waiting for one result of this international meeting — winning.
And the more support will come from the stands, the more confidence it will bring and good luck all players. Russia will certainly win and progress to the final stage of the qualifying series.”

Blessing Chiutare (Harare Sports Club manager)
“The Sables have come this far and they just can’t let it go at this stage. The destiny now lies in their hands and the game is theirs to lose.
Russia are ranked better than Zimbabwe yes but Zimbabwe has been in Russia for about a week, getting used to the conditions there, we also know that the Russians have bigger frames.

“This means we just have to play our normal game and make sure we play our speed game and run the ball around.”

Pervukhin Alexander (Yenisei-STM Rugby Club Coach)
“Zimbabwe is a serious contender and they are experienced. In the Zimbabwe team, in my opinion, there are five or six players, very interesting guys on the field which Russia need to pay special attention to.

“We should not forget that rugby in Africa is very popular, well developed and (Africa is) famous for strong teams like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. I think that Russia is sure to succeed.”

Victor Shchetinin (Krasny Yar Rugby Club Official)
“There is no doubt that the match will be a very tough struggle, both teams are determined to win and determined to reach the next stage. I think the team that gets the ball to their attackers will be assured of victory.

“It is the Zimbabwe fly-half (Guy Cronje) who is going to determine how they are going to play. However, I still believe in our guys — the Russian team will be able to cope and will be stronger.”

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