HARARE - Zimbabwe prop Vakai Hove was forced to return home yesterday after tearing his Achilles against Namibia in the Windhoek Lager Tri-Nation opener on Saturday.  

In more distressing news for the Sables technical bench, centre Daniel Hondo is down with a bout of flu and is doubtful for tomorrow’s match.

Lock Jan Ferreira is undergoing observation after a knock on the head while backs Wes Mbanje, Gardner Nechironga and Danny Robertson must pass late fitness tests to play against Spain tomorrow.

Meanwhile, stand-in coach Cyprian Mandenge has lamented the Sables’ poor kicking and defending for the 37-33 defeat to Namibia.

Reports from Namibia says the Sables could have  easily won the test match had the kicked better.

“Yes, we missed 14 points so we need to work on our kicking,” Mandenge told the Daily News from Windhoek yesterday.

“We also conceded too many tries which we could have defended, it is now very important that we work on our defence and avoid these mistakes against Spain.”

The Sables take on Spain tomorrow afternoon hoping to bounce to return home with a win under their belt. - SPORTS WRITER