Simbas wary of Tunisian threat: Habimana warns his side against complacency as they face North African side

RUGBY SIMBA VS GERMANY Kenya Simba Leo Seje(C) is Wrestled down by Els Jarrid and Schroder Jorn of Germany as they fight for ball during Kenya-Germany test encounter at the Kenya Rugby Union ground in Nairobi on Saturday 27/05/17.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

The host team will be banking on their past form against their opponents to pull a win in rugby tie

Kenya Simbas assistant coach Dominique Habimana has warned his charges against complacency as they renew their rivalry with Tunisia in today’s (4pm) Rugby Africa Gold Cup, at RFUEA Grounds. Both teams are coming off quite disappointing day one performances. While Kenya was held to a frustrating 33-33 draw by Uganda Cranes in Nairobi last month, the North Africans suffered a humiliating 53-7 defeat to defending champions Namibia.

However, having won five of their last eight meetings against Tunisia, Simbas have been considered as favourites as both teams seek their first victory in the 2017 competition.

“Every game in the Africa Cup is a must win. We were unlucky to have conceded two points against the Cranes but this is an opportunity to bounce back to our winning ways. They (Tunisia) lost heavily to Namibia, but we cannot underrate them. We expect an improved and better performance today,” Habimana told The Standard Sports.

“We have rectified the areas that cost us quite a few points against Uganda and increased the work rate for the players. We are looking forward to a very fast but tough game, but we want to contain them in the forwards. We are fully aware of what lies ahead of us.”

His sentiments were shared by the duo of Kenya Commercial Bank blind-side flanker Davis Change and fast-rising Homeboyz back-row Steve ‘Security’ Otieno, who expect a very difficult game.

“We expect a very difficult game. Despite loosing their previous game, Tunisia are no pushovers.

“They are strong upfront, but we have learnt a lot from our previous games. We have worked out on our defense which has been tested several times and we are confident of winning. We assure Kenyans of a good show and a win,” said Chenge.