The Lawii Rwodi 7s have drawn together recent rivals as the National 7s bend the corner in Gulu.
In Pool A, the Rams and Black Pirates shall once again be the centre of attention as the two sides meet.
On Day 1 of the Kyadondo 7s, Rams and Pirates drew in their final pool game, setting up a path for them to meet in the semifinals. That dramatic second encounter left the Pirates wondering what had hit them as the Rams ran away with a 24-7 victory.
At the Lawii Rwodi 7s, the Pirates have the opportunity for revenge, and they have named a relatively young squad with players like Kieron Erem returning, while Arnold Atukunda, better known as Makanika, will have a point to prove on his return to the green.
The Heathens and Walukuba Barbarians have recently set up a rivalry in the National 7s, starting in last year’s Coronation 7s. At the Kyadondo 7s, a single unconverted try was the difference between the two sides as the Heathens registered a 05-00 win over the Barbarians.
The battle between the Mongers and Hippos is one of survival, as either team will fight to get into the quarterfinal stage of the Lawii Rwodi 7s.
Overall on the National 7s log, the Heathens in second are 4 points ahead of the Barbarians, while the Mongers in 9th place are 5 points ahead of the Hippos in 10th.
Buffaloes, who are the Gulu 7s defending champions, will have to contend with a KOBs side that has been improving with every National 7s stop. Additionally, the Victoria Sharks are a tricky team that will be lurking in the shadows waiting to hurt either or both of the aforementioned sides.
On the other hand, the Mbale Elephants have had a tough time in the top flight of the National 7s, sitting bottom of the log. They may not be in a position to hurt teams now, especially in the pool phase, but they definitely have something to say in the Challenger Cup.
Men’s Pools:
- Pool A – Rams, Black Pirates, Eagles, Rhinos
- Pool B – Heathens, Walukuba Barbarians, Mongers, Hippos
- Pool C – KOBs, Buffaloes, Victoria Sharks, Mbale Elephants