Nile Special Uganda Rugby Premiership – Week 7
Kyadondo Rugby Grounds: Toyota Buffaloes Vs Heathens at 5:00PM
The Nile Special Uganda Rugby Premiership heads into the Christmas break after Saturday as Toyota Buffaloes contest for four or five points (including a bonus point) against rested Heathens at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
Buffaloes were 10-03 winners in their last outing against Ezee Money Rhinos after getting rejuvenated with the return of five players that featured for the Uganda Rugby Cranes sevens in the Confederation of Africa Rugby Sevens in Zimbambwe.
Odong James, Kasita Eric, Alfred Bijik and Solomon Okia, last Saturday’s second try scorer will need to step up performance as Buffaloes seek third win and second in a row. Fred Odur is expected to be fit following his recent man of the match performance.
Heathens meanwhile return to the hardships of mauls, rucks, scrums and kicks as the side seeks recovery from week 5’s 06-05 loss to Ezee Money Rhinos. The former premiership champions’ hopes for an unbeaten run this season were dented and revenge time must this Saturday.
Michael and Phillip Wokorach also return from the Confederation of Africa Rugby Sevens for Heathens whose match against defending champions KOBS got postponed to 20th December. Coach Brian Tabaruka and Tindimweba need victory in case the side to keep in the title race.
Heathens have looked nervy after the scrummaging and handling errors have often cost them. Their strength is in the flanks and if Joel Kimuli and Lawrence Ssebuliba could pick up the form the duo had in the first encounters, Buffaloes could be in trouble.
FACTS
Heathens have played 5 matches this season, drawn one with Sadolin Mongers in Entebbe and lost one against Ezee Money Rhinos.
Heathens currently settle third on the premiership table with 18 points one behind Ezee Money Rhinos.
Toyota Buffaloes are 5th on the premiership table with 12 points one more than third last Pirates. Buffaloes have lost four matches and won only two.
When the duo met in the final half of last season, Heathens defeated Toyota Buffaloes 16-10.
Other Saturday Fixtures
Makerere Rugby Grounds
Impis Vs Pirates at 4:30pm
Legends Rugby Grounds
Mutoni Warriors Vs Sadolin Mongers at 3:00pm
Ezee Money Rhinos Vs Kobs at 5:00pm