Zimbabwe’s win was their first in history against South Africa in an official senior match.

It means they now have two wins from three matches.

South Africa bounced back to beat Zambia 22-8 and move onto the same record. 

They hold a slight advantage over Zimbabwe, however, by virtue of the fact that they scored more goals in beating them 20-16 yesterday than the home nation managed in today’s reverse.

It was deemed necessary to distinguish the teams in this manner as both had scored and conceded the same amount of goals across the two matches, 33. 

Both teams are due to face Zambia tomorrow, bringing the group stage to an end.

Those matches will come prior to the final between the top two teams. 

Qualification for next year’s World Championship is up for grabs with one place on offer.

As the World Championship will be held in South Africa, they have already qualified automatically as hosts and therefore only the highest-ranked team besides them will earn a berth.