DUBAI // The grassy banks alongside Pitch One were not exactly heaving when Bernard Lapasset, the IRB president, struck a sweet, left-footed drop-kick to signify the start of the World Cup Sevens, but one set of supporters had turned out in force.
While the majority of spectators were still contending with rush hour traffic back in the city, the bank adjacent to the halfway line had turned into a Zimbabwe enclave for the opening match. As their flags fluttered in the strong cross-breeze, it was soon apparent that their compatriots on the field had their work cut out against Wales.
To even reach this point, the Zimbabweans have had to rely on a groundswell of support and goodwill.
As a consequence of hyper- inflation and the cholera outbreak, food has been scarce and bottled water expensive.
Their countrymen expatriated in Dubai clubbed together to raise funds for transport, accommodation and food during their stay for their followers.
"It is very humbling to see so many people coming in support of us. It is great," said their coach Liam Middleton.
His side still entered the tournament with high hopes of causing an upset, but went down 31-5 in yesterday's opener against the Welsh. Danny Hondo, the brother of the Zimbabwe international cricketer Douglas, scored their try.
"It is a hard one to understand from the outside, but any victory for us would be a massive success," added Middleton.
"If we won a World Cup medal - a Bowl or any other trophy - that is a huge success if you look at where we have come from and the things we face.
"If we achieve that it will be a massive success, and what happens afterwards is all a bonus really."
Zimbabwe's struggles are put into context by the riches afforded to sides like England, whose every training session is monitored by GPS and heart-rate machines. After the loss to Wales, Jacques Leitao, the Cheetahs forward, said of the accessories: "Those things are all nice add-ons, but I'm not sure how much it effects you in the game knowing how many miles you run.
"It is probably nice to know, but it is not going to decide the winning and losing of many games.
"We will have to concentrate on finishing in second place now and later on we want to try to walk away with some silverware of some sort."
pradley@thenational.ae
Crowds enjoy carnival atmosphere a2. Plus all the results and news from last night's late games at the World Cup.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
How to increase your savings
- Have a plan for your savings.
- Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
- Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
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- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Company%20Profile
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Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
