Wangila names Simbas squad to face Germany

Kenya Simba players after their match against Tunisia during Confederation of Africa Rugby Division 1 match at KRFU ground, Nairobi on Sunday. Kenya won 46-15.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Homeboyz RFC duo of Bramwel Mayaka and Philip Ikambili are among the four players likely to make their full test debuts for national 15s rugby team, Kenya Simbas in tomorrow’s Tatu City Series clash against Germany tomorrow.

The pair was named in the final 23-man squad, but will start from the bench alongside Kenya Commercial Bank prop Oscar Simiyu and Australia-based Leo Seje who are also in line for their debuts.

Simbas' team manager Simiyu Wangila was quick to defend the quartet’s inclusion in the team that will be captained by Wilson Kopondo.

“These players, Philip Ikambili, Oscar Simiyu, Bram Mayaka and Leo Seje Owade have upped their game and proved worthy of selection to the squad,” said Wangila during the squad naming ceremony at RFUEA Grounds yesterday.

Seasoned Kenya Sevens kicker Biko Adema returns to the Simbas fold after close to a decade and will start at flyhalf with instrumental Darwin Mukidza also drafted in the team after World Sevens Series duty with Shujaa in Paris and London.

Meanwhile, Germany co-captain Sean Armstrong expects a difficult game international test match against their hosts Kenya Simbas at RFUEA Grounds tomorrow.
Speaking after their first training session at Impala Club on Wednesday, Armstrong said they are excited to face the 23rd ranked Kenya.

“We’re expecting a very tough, physical game and looking forward to the opportunity to take on a foreign team...really looking forward to build what we’ve got going at the moment,” Armstrong.

Elsewhere, Chris Robshaw and George Ford will co-captain an England squad featuring eight uncapped players against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday.

It will be the first time Robshaw, 30, will captain England since standing down after exiting the 2015 World Cup.

“Chris will look after the forwards and defence, George the backs and attack,” said England coach Eddie Jones.

“With so many younger players there we need co-captains rather than just one guy responsible for everything.”

Bath-bound flanker Sam Underhill will make his England bow, with Saracens’ Nick Isiekwe and Charlie Ewels paired at lock.