PREVIEW: Kobs not taking the foot off the pedal against Rams

• Nile Special Stout Rugby Premier League
• 4pm: Kobs vs Rams
• Makerere Rugby Grounds

Kobs will be taking no chances when they line up against Rams at Makerere Rugby Grounds during matchday four of the Nile Special Stout Rugby Premier League.

The current league leaders officially begin life without four of their national sevens stars, including current top scorer Pius Ogena.

A quick look at the Kobs team sheet for this tie indicates that they are not taking the foot off the pedal. Kobs have scored more than half a century of points in all the matches they have played this season, and have not conceded a try yet.

Ogena’s absence leads Davis Kyewalabye to select captain Asaba Brian, Tukwasiibwe Derrick and Jjuuko Jude for the looseforwards. James Odongo’s strength as a utility back sees him combine with winger-cum-center Justin Kimono in the midfield. Rising sensation Karim Arinaitwe steps in the shoes of Joseph Aredo at fullback.

Rams’ Richard Lumu has selected the same Daniel Lubangken, Jude Rwakayanga, and Michael Emojong front row combination for the third successive game. John Paul Kaweesa shifts from the front row to the openside flank which brings Brian Wandera into the starting pack. In the backline, Nelson Mandela commands at flyhalf and Emmanuel Kinyera at fullback.

Lugogo or Makerere, the venue will not influence a change to the possible outcome of this game since it was shifted from a kickoff at noon to the ‘normal’ 4pm time.

Rams Squad:

• Starting: 1 Daniel Lubangken, 2 Jude Rwakayanga, 3 Micheal Emojong, 4 John Tabu, 5 Brian Wandera, 6 Geophrey Otieno, 7 John Paul Kaweesa, 8 Uthman Mukasa, 9 Shakur Saka, 10 Nelson Mandela, 11 Wareh Samson, 12 Emmanuel Kibirige, 13 Raymond Odoch, 14 Humprey Magero, 15 Emmanuel Kinyera.
• Substitutes: 16 Maxwell Olega, 17 Joel Matovu, 18 Daniel Katerega, 19 Ronald Binagwa, 20 Timothy Kavuma, 21 Collin Nsaba, 22 Karl Edo.

Kobs Squad:

• Starting: 1 Kivumbi Saul, 2 Odugo Faraji, 3 Kimbowa Collins, 4 Otto Michael, 5 Ecodu Emmanuel, 6 Asaba Brian, 7 Tukwasiibwe Derrick, 8 Jjuko Jude, 9 Ochan Brian, 10 Sempeke Josiah, 11 Sseruyange Keith, 12 Kimono Justin, 13 Odongo James, 14 Mukwaya Raymond, 15 Arinaitwe Karim.
• Substitutes: 16 Ssempebwa Edrine, 17 Wilobo Mukili, 18 Sekate Paul, 19 Aziku Robert, 20 Olaunah Humphrey, 21 Sseruwagi Edgar, 22 Ijongat James, 23 Semwami Daudi.