Final: Rhinos vs Rwenzori (4pm)
Third Place: Lions vs Cheetahs (1pm)
Ugandan side Dimension Data Rwenzori after qualifying for the finals of the Bamburi Super Series will embark on trying to win it for the first time in Nairobi. Rwenzori takes on Rhinos, the most successful franchise of the competition at the hostile Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground on Saturday. UTL Kobs tactician Fred Mudoola believes his side will have to It will be quite a feat if coach Fred Mudoola are not Underdogs but actually favorites ahead of the weekend showdown.
“We have individuals who have gelled and technical ability is there,” Mudoola, said.
Mudoola will boast of his consistent selection as one of the reason his side has come this far and the 17-15 win registered on their Saturday opponents in the pool stage is testimony that they ought to be taken serious.
The few changes in the Kobs tactician will be Prop Brian Odong, lock Romano Ogwal (fractured finger), and centre Oscar Kalyango and Edmond Tumusiime. Fly-half Tumusiime was the star of the day when Rwenzori thrashed Cheetahs 25-0 that time it was Ambrose Kamanyiire who paved way. He is expected to start the final and Odong has managed to overcome his knee problem and he will expect to be considered for the final on the front row.
Paul Kabazzi and Andrew Barasa’s impact will be felt if the two come off the bench. Felix Lubega played on the wings twice in the competition and he will b expected to start there. “It’s about the team executing what we have planned and not individuals,” Mudoola added. Eight tries have been scored by the back row pair of Steven Ogwete and Marvin Odong, adding to that tally could give Rwenzori the title.
They are likely to be considered candidates for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) though sensational winger Justin Kimono with just one try will not be a surprise if he carries the day. Rwenzori’s best finish in the games was a third place finish in 2009.
Rhinos on the other hand are playing their sixth straight final with five wins to show off.
STARTING 15: B. Odong, S. Mawanda (captain), M. Tchumkam, V. Wadia, J. Anguyo, S. Ogwete, T. Dumba, M. Odong, D. Kyewalabye, E. Tumusiime, F. Lubega, P. kabazzi, A. Barasa, Justin Kimono, A. Kinene
SUBSTITUTES: O. Ochulu, James Kimono, T. Kabonero, R. Musajja, O. Kalyango, E. Etuket, A. Kamanyiire
Previous Rugby Super Series Final Results
2003: Rhinos 27 Cheetahs 11
2004: Cheetahs 32 Lions 22
2005: Buffaloes 27 Lions 26
2006: Cheetahs 29 Lions 27
2007: Rhinos 28 Lions 20
2008: Lions 33 Rhinos 9
2009: Rhinos 30 Buffaloes 13
2010: Rhinos 25 Cheetahs 5
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2011 Rhinos
2010 Rhinos
2008 Lions
2007 Rhinos
2006 Cheetahs
2005 Buffaloes
2004 Cheetahs
2003 Rhinos
CASH PRIZES
Winner: KSh8.4m
Runners-up: Ksh5m
Third Place: 2.5m
Fourth: Ksh1.5m
