Zimbabwe recorded an impressive 21-0 victory against Mexico as the World Rugby Sevens Repechage got underway at Stade Louis II
Nine men’s teams and 11 women’s teams are in Monaco to compete for the three remaining places at Tokyo 2020, and Zimbabwe got off to the perfect start with three tries in their men’s Pool A opener.
Following a cagey opening four minutes, Zimbabwe’s Godfrey Magaramombe strode onto a pass from Ryan Musumhi and through a gap in the Mexican defence to score the first try of the match.
Both sides had a player sent to the sin-bin shortly before half-time, and Zimbabwe coped best with the disruption as they kept Mexico pinned inside their own half at the start of the second period.
With around two-and-a-half minutes remaining Magaramombe turned provider as he gave a scoring pass to Sam Phiri on the right wing. And, there was still time for Munopa Muneta to put some gloss on the win with a third try late on.
“To be back on the field in a place like this is amazing,” Zimbabwe captain Boyd Rouse said afterwards. “Playing these teams is the best and we’re all fighting for the last place [at Tokyo 2020].”