The Uganda Rugby Cranes have taken on different shapes and compositions throughout the Rugby Africa Cup, and now in their final game, they once again switch things up.
In the halfback department, Aaron Ofoyrwoth and Joseph Aredo started game one, while Conrad Wanyama and William Nkore came in for game two. For the third and final game, Ofoyrwoth returns with Liam Walker, who made a substitute appearance on day one but was entirely out on day two.
A fresh front row of Edward Emiemu, Saul Kivumbi and Collins Kimbowa start alongside Alex Aturinda in the pack, while Brian Wandera once again gets a spot on the bench. Desire Ayera finally makes an appearance on the bench, replacing the Vice Captain Frank Kidega. This only leaves Emmanuel Kiyaga, the late front-row injury replacement, as the only player not to hit the field in black.
Despite the changes in halfbacks, the technical team seems to have figured out their center pairings and back 3 combinations. Isaac Massangazira, who started at inside centre in the first game, was ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury, giving birth to the Joseph Aredo and Ian Munyani pairing, while the second omission of Ivan Otema has created room for Shakim Sembusi to make a second appearance off the bench.
It is now up to the team to click on the day if they are to set aside Ivory Coast and survive relegation.
Starting XV: Saul Kivumbi, Edward Emiemu, Collin Kimbowa, Julius Opio, Eliphaz Emong, Alex Aturinda, Byron Oketayot (C), Pius Ogena, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Liam Walker, Timothy Kisiga, Joseph Aredo, Ian Munyani, Phillip Wokorach, Adrian Kasito.
Substitutes: Nathan Bwambale, Santos Ssenteza, Fahad Maido, Brian Wandera, Desire Ayera, Conrad Wanyama, William Nkore, Shakim Ssembusi.