Kenya Simbas Head Coach Paul Odera has unleashed his squad that will face Uganda Cranes in a Rugby Africa Cup 15s quarterfinal match set for Saturday at Stade Maurice-David in Aix-en-Provence at 4:00 PM.
Odera has gone for an experienced back three which has Collins Injera, Jacob Ojee and Darwin Mukidza. The coach has also entrusted Dominic Coulson with fly-half duties with Jone Kubu starting on the bench.
Samuel Asati is the scrum-half and John Okoth, Vincent Onyala are in the midfield.
Skipper Dan Sikuta, his Kabras teammate George Nyambua, and Bethuel Anami have been named in the back row. Malcolm Onsando and Thomas Okeyo are the locks.
The front row has Patrick Ouko, Eugene Sifuna, and Ephraim Oduor. Davis Chenge, Brian Tanga, Andrew Matoka, and Teddy Akala are on the bench.
The two sides will be facing off for the first time since 2019 with their annual Elgon Cup face-off having been halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 and 2021 editions were canceled.
The last times they met, the Simbas beat Uganda 16-5 at Kyadondo Grounds to win the fourth consecutive Elgon Cup title. The Simbas had lost the first leg encounter held in Kisumu’s Mamboleo Grounds 16-13.
The Simbas have been dominant in this fixture winning eight of the last 10 meetings. They have suffered one loss and shared spoils once in the last 10 meetings. Kenya lead the overall head-to-head in matches played between the two teams pre and post-Elgon Cup with 25 wins while Uganda has registered 12 wins.
Fans will be able to follow the match head-to-head, K24 and K24plus App. Rugby Africa is also expected to stream the matches on its Facebook and YouTube channels.
Kenya Simbas: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
