Kenya in 15s rugby action against Zimbabwe and Uganda

It is a big day for rugby fans as the national 15s rugby teams take on Zimbabwe and Uganda in the Africa Cup and Elgon Cup championships.

Speaking ahead of their encounter in Harare, team Manager Wangila Simiyu, said they are focused on beating Zimbabwe to maintain their status in the World Rugby Rankings, rather than seeking to avenge their defeat last season in the Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

“If we beat Zimbabwe at home, it will be a good boost for us, which might see us go three places up the ranking log,” he explained. “We are focusing on a good finish by the end of the year, probably somewhere close or above the top 20,” he added.

NO MATCH PRACTICE

Kenya’s first string side is boosted by their victory over Portugal at RFUEA May 30 and they are confident of continuing their winning streak. The team has made two changes so far to the side that beat Portugal, by introducing veteran Lawrence Buyachi and Davies Chenge to the forwards.

“Zimbabwe play very physically and we have brought in some more experience and power to the side tocounter that,” Simiyu explained. “We have to change our approach with every game that we play.”

As the senior side takes on Zimbabwe, Kenya’s second string side will play Uganda at the RFUEA grounds in the annual Elgon Cup.

Speaking at the naming of the squad, team manager Newton Ongalo said the team is well prepared for the tie

“The squad has been training for the past three weeks. We have not had any match practice, but the boys are fired up and are still competitive, having come off the domestic season.”

This match will be preceded by the female’s version of the Elgon Cup, where the Kenyan side will play Uganda. Kenya’s head Coach Kevin Wambua named seven debutantes in his side as he embarks on an ?Elgon Cup title defence.

Commenting on the seven new players, Wambua said, “We’ve noticed players from our domestic competition and have handed call ups to some of them. They’ve been quite impressive in training and three of them; Emily Adero, Lydia Shikanda and Sinaida Aura, will start on Saturday (today).”