Currie Cup: Injera starts for Simbas ahead of EP Elephants clash

Kenya Sevens poster boy Collins Injera has been trusted with a start as the national 15’s rugby side, Kenya Simbas head coach Paul Odera named his line up to tackle Eastern Province Elephants in a Currie Cup First Division One clash.

Injera’s inclusion brings an end to his three year hiatus from the 15’s side as the last time he turned out for the Simbas was back in 2018 during the 2019 Rugby World Cup – play-off qualifications.

Jone Kubu set to rejoin Kenya Simbas after last Currie Cup clash

Odera made a raft of changes (7) to the team that swept aside the Leopards 51-35 in the historic clash as Kenya hosted its first Currie Cup Division One match at the RFUEA Grounds.

KCB RFC speed demon Jacob Ojee also makes a return to the side as Malcolm Onsando, Thomas Okeyo, Patrick Ouko, Brian Waraba and Martin Owila complete the changes made by Odera.

Having convincingly beaten Leopards last time out, Odera emphasised on not resting on their laurels as they look to churn out impressive performances game after game.

“It’s been a fantastic week, obviously with every win, there’s always the confidence that comes into the team and after last week’s performance, the mood in camp has been very buoyant as expected and it has been quite a challenge to point out to the boys that there is still a lot to do.

It's not magic, it's hard work-Odera after win over Leopards

We are reminding the players that good teams produce good performances week in, week out. They need to prove to themselves, the coaching staff and Kenyans that they can put in a good performance for the second consecutive week. We don’t have Eugene Sifuna as he has gone to deal with his academic commitments,” added Odera.

The match against the Elephants will mark their last encounter before heading over to France for the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers as they kick off their campaign with a clash against arch rivals Uganda on Friday 1 July.

Simbas

First XV: 15.Darwin Mukidza, 14. Jacob Ojee, 13. Vincent Onyala, 12. John Okoth, 11. Collins Injera, 10. Dominic Coulson, 9. Samuel Asati, 1. Patrick Ouko, 2. Brian Waraba, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Malcolm Onsando, 5. Thomas Okeyo, 6. George Nyambua, 7. Martin Owila, 8. Bethuel Anami

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Edward Mwaura, 18. Joseph Odero, 19. Brian Juma, 20. Davis Chenge, 21. Brian Tanga, 22. Bryceson Adaka, 23. Andrew Matoka

EP Elephants

First XV: 15. Mbembe Payi, 14. Davian Swanepoel, 13. Athenkosi Mayinje, 12. Riaan Arends, 11. Rodney Damons, 10. Mattheus Garrick, 9. Rouche Nel, 1. Sibusiso Lali, 2. Duan Du Plessis, 3. Sive Mazosiwe, 4. Johannes Huisamen, 5. Jaco Wilemse, 6. Diego Williams, 7. Gerrit Huisamen, 8. Athenkosi Manentsa

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Mzwanele Besman, 17. Roche van Zyl, 18. Viaan Wolmarans, 19. Lungi Mbiko, 20. Arnold Kleyn, 21. Sachin Toring, 22. Merlynn Pieterse, 23. Aya Oliphant