HARARE - Harare Sports Club coach Blessing Chiutare has retained the entire backline that dismantled Old Hararians 24-6 in the semifinals for today’s NRL final against Matabeleland Warriors.

Experienced Sables centre Daniel Hondo will captain the side, partnered by Simbarashe Chirimuta in midfield in what has become a formidable centre-pairing for Sportivo.

Sports Club’s midfield is good at attacking the advantage line and could be instrumental this afternoon in unlocking the Warriors defence.

Wings Stephen Hunduza and Simbarashe Kabatebate as well as fullback Tangai Nemadire will make up the back three.

The hosts are expected to play expansive rugby, the hallmark of their game in recent seasons.

It is a brand of rugby which suits them well as their backline is jam-packed with speedsters and skilful players.

The Red Lions, who are hoping to break their three-year jinx after losing in the final to Old Georgians for the past three seasons, have only made one change to their forward pack.

They have opted for the experienced hooker Raymond Dzvairo ahead of Joshua Banhwa, who struggled in finding his jumpers in their last outing.

With Player 23 on their side, Sports Club believe they can finally capture the NRL title that has eluded for so long.

Time will tell, but it promises to be a tightly-contested match and difficult to predict which way it will go. - Brian Matamba