It is coronation day at King’s Park in Bweyogerere as the URU Central Women’s 15s League champions will be crowned.
The title has come down to eighty minutes with defending champions Black Pearls and record winners Thunderbirds in the fight for the crown as the curtains come down on the season.
As has been the case when these sides meet in the recent past, it will be two contrasting styles on display. Black Pearls use their relatively quick backs to spread the pitch wide, keep the ball and kick in open play to get out of their territory when under pressure while Thunderbirds, on the other hand, play a physical game and usually bulldoze their way to the try line.
In the winner take all game, the Thunderbirds could call for a scrum at every penalty in the opposition’s half as that’s an area of the game in which they have always dominated as was in the first meeting at Kyadondo.
Enroute winning their first 15s title, the Pearls immensely improved their set pieces, especially the scrum which they only needed to keep stable and get the ball out to running backs. If they are to thrive under the sun at King’s Park, they will need a little bit of stability.
Neither side executes the lineouts well and that is where the game will most likely get untidy.
Team News
The Black Pearls have not changed the backline that faced the Thunderbirds in the first leg but Rachael Mufuwa and captain Ritah Naddunga have switched positions.
In the front eight, one change has been made as Christine Kokoi starts at loosehead and Leona Acen waits on the bench.
Thunderbirds have shaffled but made just two changes in their forwards. Christine Nuwagaba takes over the hooking duties from vice-captain Yvonne Najjuma who starts in the back row and relegates Linda Mwogeza to the bench.
Charity Atimango starts ahead of Collins Agenrwot and will lock with Winnie Atyang.
In the backs, Anges Nakuya has been moved from midfield to the right wing as Mercey Lakot partners with Trusty Angeyo.
Sarah Nakafeero and Mary Jean Odoi make up the half back pairing with regular flyhalf Norah Nabasirye out.
Key Stat
Black Pearls have won the last three meetings. During last season’s game at King’s Park, Emily Lekuru ran rings around the Thunderbirds, scoring seven tries in the one-sided 75-12 win.