Kenya Simbas star Injera, Coulson as Uganda select Wokorach, Okia for RWC qualifiers face-off
Kenya Simbas Head Coach Paul Odera has unveiled his matchday squad that will be on duty against Uganda Cranes in a Rugby Africa Cup match scheduled for Stade Pierre-Delort in Marseille, France at 4:00 PM East African Time.
The tactician has stated that Dominic Coulson, a fly-half from the University of Exeter, is ahead of Fijian-born playmaker Jone Kubu.
Coulson, who started the final three Currie Cup games will have Samuel Asati as his scrum-half with Brian Tanga set to come off the bench.
Kenya 7s star Collins Injera has been handed a place on the left wing with Jacob Ojee starting on the right-wing while Darwin Mukidza has been entrusted with fullback duties.
Menengai Oilers centre John Okoth and KCB's Vincent Onyala are set for a midfield partnership.
In the front row, Patrick Ouko starts alongside Eugene Sifuna and Ephraim Oduor while Malcolm Onsando and Thomas Okeyo are placed in the second row whereas George Nyambua, captain Dan Sikuta and Bethuel Anami are the loose forwards.
Simbas coach exudes confidence
The coach has exuded confidence in the selected squad and believes that each player has his unique contribution.
“We’re confident that it’s a strong team with good balance. Each player adds something different and that’s how we want to play for the 80 minutes. it’s been about recovery since it was a long journey from Nairobi to Paris and then to Marseille. Kenyans can expect that the players will give their everything and we’re quite confident, there’s a lot of focus and some relaxation which is important."he stated.
He added: "The Captain’s run has gone well with the Captain and the leadership group taking charge and that’s exactly what we expect from them tomorrow. We have a game plan and if they stick to what we have practised we expect to be successful after the 80th minute.”
His Ugandan counterpart, Fred Mudola, has handed former Kabras Sugar utility back Philip Wokorach a start at full-back.
Kabras forward Asuman Mugerwa, ex Kabras player Pius Ogena, Former Kenya Harlequins players Scott Olouch, Solomon Okia and current Kenya Harlequins back-rower have been entrusted with starting roles.
The winner of the match will face the winner of the match between Algeria and Senegal. Fans will be able to follow the match on K24 and K24plus App.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Sables and Namibia have qualified for the Rugby Africa Cup semi-finals after winning their respective quarter-final matches on Friday, July 1, 2022.
The two African titans will square off in the first semi-final on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the final. The Sables advanced to the final four after defeating Ivory Coast 38-11 in the second quarter-final in Marseille. Namibia proceeded to the semi-finals with a 71-5 victory over Burkina Faso.
Simbas line-up
Kenya Simbas Starting XV: 1 Patrick Ouko, 2 Eugene Sifuna, 3 Ephraim Oduor, 4 Malcolm Onsando, 5 Thomas Okeyo, 6 George Nyambua, 7 Daniel Sikuta (captain), 8 Bethwel Anami, 9 Samuel Asati, 10 Dominic Coulson,11 Collins Injera, 12 John Okoth, 13 Vincent Onyala, 14 Jacob Ojee, 15 Darwin Mukidza.
Replacements: 16 Teddy Akala, 17 Edward Mwaura, 18 Joseph Odero, 19 Brian Juma, 20 Davis Chenge, 21 Brian Tanga, 22 Jone Kubu, 23 Andrew Matoka.
Uganda Rugby Cranes Starting XV: 1 Santos Ssenteza, 2 Faragi Odugo, 3 Asuman Mugerwa, 4 Charles Uhuru, 5 Eliphaz Emong, 6 Mark Omoding, 7 Joaquim Chisano, 8 Scott Oluoch, 9 Paul Epillo, 10 Ivan Magomu (captain), 11 Lawrence Ssebuliba, 12 Pius Ogena, 13 Innocent Gwokto, 14 Solomon Okia, 15 Philip Wokorach.
Replacements: 16 Ronald Kanyanya, 17 Collin Kimbowa, 18 Michael Otto, 19 Emmanuel Ecodu, 20 Akera Komakech, 21 Jacob Ochen, 22 Conrad Wanyama, 23 Joseph Aredo.
