Kenya renew Uganda rivalry in Rugby World Cup qualifiers

Battle lines have been drawn when the Kenya Simbas open their 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers against arch-rivals Uganda on Saturday 2 July in France.

All hopes of the country are resting on the capable shoulders of Simbas having undergone rigorous preparations at the Currie Cup First Division barring the traveling hiccups that threatened to dent their campaign.

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Kenya was included in the 2022 Currie Cup First Division which is the South African rugby second-tier of the competition and finished eighth in the 10-team log.

Simbas registered victories against Border Bulldogs and their two home games against Leopards and eventual finalists in the competition Eastern Province Elephants.

Head coach Paul Odera has insisted on not underestimating Uganda as he noted that they have done their homework against their neighbors ahead of the clash.

“We understand Uganda very well, some players play in Kenya but we also understand the Ugandan mindset and how they approach matches particularly when they play Kenya.

We have done our analysis, the boys have also done their homework and we have put together a script on what we need to do to be successful on Saturday. We have not prepared for Uganda any less than we have prepared for our matches in the Currie Cup,” added Odera.

Kenya 7s all-time try scorer Collins Injera has been drafted into the starting line up after an impeccable performance against EP Elephants where he registered a try with KCB RFC winger Jacob Ojee occupying the opposite wing.

Uganda Rugby Cranes head coach Fred Mudoola who named a strong first 15 on Friday noted that he had Kenya in mind when selecting his squad for Saturday.

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“X-factor, team ,structure and opponent we are facing. I factored in their strengths and weaknesses, plus our capabilities, of course,” Mudoola told the Daily Monquarter-finals

The quarter finals of the Africa Cup which doubles up as the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers will kick off at 4 PM EAT at the Stade Maurice-David in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Kenya Simbas Squad:

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 Squad:

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.