Hosts, Uganda Rugby Cranes will be back in action at Legends Rugby Grounds, against Mauritius in the 2015 Africa Rugby Tier 1B tournament on Wednesday.
The team is targeting another impressive show in front of the home crowd following a 40-11 routing of Ivory Coast in the opener at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
Uganda required tries from from Micheal Wokorach, Scott Oluoch, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Ronald Musajjagulanyago and James Odong plus three penalties and two conversions from Kevin Makmot to crown a successful evening.
Mauritius lost 42-03 to Senegal at the hands of captain Steeve Sargos led from the West African front, with a man of the match display.
Rugby Cranes now face a daunting task just after being crowned Uganda Sports Press Association (Uspa) team of June. Captain Brian Odong says they needed inspiration and it first came from winning the the Elgon Cup for the first time since 2012.
Cranes overcame Kenya 30-25(47-45 on aggregate) at Legends Rugby Grounds and now the skipper adds that the side were buoyed by the gong from USPA ahead of the must-win midweek tie.
“We are trying to gain qualification to Tier 1A and when we won the Elgon Cup, our morale was lifted, we wanted to do it for us and our fans,” he told Daily Monitor.
“Now the journalists have also recognized the hard work we have put in as a team and this will really drive us along way.”
After an impressive performance, scrum-half Kevin Makmot, eighth man Scott Oluoch, wing Lawrence Ssebuliba, Micheal Wokorach and captain Brian Odong are all expected back in the Ugandan team.
Cyrus Wathum and James Ijiongat are expected to start this time round despite the latter’s inconsistency especially with the spot kicks in the opener.
In the other matches of the day, Senegal play Botswana, a side that opened with a 36-18 loss to Madagascar. Senegal have been billed as favorites thanks to their physique and experience.
In the last match, the Islanders, Madagascar will take on the 1995 Rugby World Cup (RWC) finalists, Ivory Coast, who painfully lost to Uganda. Ivory Coast are expected to put up a spirited fight in pursuit of glory.
Rugby Cranes Squad: Gerald Ssewankambo, Michael Wokorach, Cyrus Watum, Charles Uhuru, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Davis Kiwalabye, Kevin Makmot, Brian Odongo, Pius Ogena, Scot Oluoch, James Odongo, Alfred Bijik, Chris Lubanga, Martial Tchumcam, Joseph Aredo, John Wandicho, Alex Mubiru, Ronald Musajja, Arthur Mpande, Asuman Mugerwa, Justin Kimono, James Ijongat and Denis Mugambe
Mauritius Squad: Sauzier Emmanuel, Poche Cedric, Lebreton de la Vieuville Dimitri, Rousset Christophe, Wiehe Lagesse erik, Baissac Olivier, Lamusse Romain, Seebaluck Yohann, Regnard Thomy, Vitry Audibert Romain, Bhollah Ravi, Noel Pierre, Mayer Kevin, Marot James, Raggoo Davesh, Huet d’arlon de Froberville Damien, Bernajusang Arnaud, Bussier Fabrice, Boulle Robert, Gervel David, Nairac Marc, Merven Lionel, Leclair Loic, Lenoir Thomas
2015 Africa Rugby Fixtures, Day 2
Wednesday 8th July
Legends Rugby Grounds
Uganda vs Mauritius – 12:30pm
Senegal vs Botswana – 2:30pm
Madagascar vs Ivory Coast – 4:30pm