The Kenya Simbas matchday squad that comfortably put aside their East African counterparts has returned with one change for their Rugby Africa Cup semifinal encounter against the Zimbabwe Sables.
The Simbas barely used their substitutes on Tuesday against Uganda, with debutants David Banduki and Vincent Mwikhali yet to make an appearance off the bench.
For the Sunday semifinal, Timothy Omela makes way for Derrick Ashiundi, an indicator that the Simbas gained the trust of Head Coach Jerome Parwaater, and he has therefore sent them out on another assignment, a move that may be a tactical masterclass or a disaster, given the change in level of opposition.
Samuel Asati, Barry Young and Jone Kubu proved too much to handle for the cranes, but now they go up against the proven Hilton Mudariki, Ian Prior and Tapiwa Mafura as their opposite numbers.
A key battle to watch shall be in the setpiece arena. The Kenya tight 5 led by captain George Nyambua and hooker Eugene Sifuna, have a pivotal role to play if the Simbas are to not only win and dominate their own scrums and line outs, but to also contest those of the Sables.
On Tuesday, the Moroccans pierced some holes in the Zimbabwe team at the line out contest, forcing turnovers off Simba Mandioma’s throws, and also setting up rolling mauls off their line outs, which asked questions of the Zimbabwe forwards. The Kenyans will have to exploit this area of the game if they are to upset the defending champions.
If the match against the Rugby Cranes was a trial run, this here is the real test for the 23 Simbas who hope to reach the final of the Rugby Africa Cup, win it and qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Starting XV: Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, George Nyambua, Andycole Omolo, Thomas Okeyo, Patrick Sibatia, Bethuel Anami, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Derrick Ashiundi, Jone Kubu.
Substitutes: Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Brian Tanga, John Okoth.