Elgon Cup
- Uganda vs. Kenya – 4pm, Legends
With just a few hours to the kickoff of this year’s Elgon Cup first leg, head coach John Duncan has named the team that will start in the clash at Legends Rugby Grounds.
Rhinos’ lock Robert Aziku and Kabras Sugar scrum half Ivan Kirabo have been handed their debuts in the highly anticipated clash in Kampala.
The two, alongside fly half Ivan Magomu and hooker Alex Mubiru, are the only faces that didn’t feature in last year’s 48-10 defeat to the Kenya Simbas at the same venue.
Mubiru returns from a sabbatical and takes his place that was filled by Cyrus Wathum last year and his return completes Uganda’s front row that played together in the Tier 1B tournament hosted in Kampala in 2015.
With Oscar Kalyango and Gerald Ssewankambo out of the team, the Cranes will turn to Pius Ogena, who has played at flank since his debut, to partner Michael Wokorach in the midfield.
The last time the Rugby Cranes faced off with Kenya in Kampala, the visitors disrespected their hosts in a comprehensive 48-10 thrashing.
The return leg in Nairobi was then earmarked by the Rugby Cranes to get their revenge, but it didn’t happen as they were battered 45-24 and still nurse not only the wounds but the anger toward their noisy neighbours.
Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Musa Muwonge, Eric Mula and Adnan Mutebi will also await their first Ugandan caps from the bench.
Long-term absentee Justin Kimono is also on the bench and could come on in the second period as the coaches asses his progress since returning from knee surgery.
Starting line up
1. Asuman Mugerwa 2. Alex Mubiru 3. Brian Odongo 4. Charles Uhuru 5. Robert Aziku 6. Brian Asaba 7. Scot Oluoch 8. Marvin Odongo 9. Ivan Kirabo 10. Ivan Magomu 11. James Odong 12. Pius Ogena 13. Micheal Okorach 14. Lawrence Sebuliba 15. Philip Wokorach
Replacements
16. Syrus Watum 17. Collin Kimbowa 18. Adnan Mutebi 19. Byron Oketayot 20. Musa Muwonge 21. Aaron Ofoyrwoth 22. Justin Kimono 23. Eric Mula