Ashiundu determined to stretch Zimbabwe to the limit in crunch tie

Derrick Ashiundu of Kenya Simbas stretches before a past match. [Rugby AFrique]

Derrick Ashiundu has been handed a starting role as Kenya Simbas prepare to battle defending champions Zimbabwe Sables in a high-stakes Rugby Africa Cup semifinal clash today at 4pm at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.

The Kabras Sugar winger replaces Timothy Omela in the only change made by head coach Jerome Paarwater from the side that defeated Uganda 32-24 in the quarterfinals last weekend.

Ashiundu will feature on the right wing, with Griffin Chao, who is currently the joint top try scorer in the tournament with two tries, retaining his place on the left.

This semi-final is not just about reaching the final. It's also a major step toward qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, as the winner of the Rugby Africa Cup secures direct qualification.

Speaking ahead of the match, Simbas captain George Nyambua said the team is fully focused and determined to dethrone the Sables, who won the last edition of the tournament.

"We have prepared very well. Every player knows what is at stake, and the team is hungry to make it to the World Cup. Zimbabwe are the defending champions, but we are ready to stretch them to the limit and fight for a place in the final," Nyambua said.

Simbas enter the semi-final on a high after a strong performance against hosts Uganda, where they showed great attacking play and solid defence. Paarwater has kept most of the squad unchanged, showing faith in the group that delivered the quarterfinal win.

Jone Kubu remains at fullback, while the midfield pairing of Walter Okoth and Bryceson Adaka is also unchanged. In the halfback positions, Samuel Asati continues at scrum-half, combining with fly-half Barry Young, who had a commanding display in the previous match.

In the forwards, the pack remains the same. Bethuel Anami starts at number eight, supported by Patrick Sabatia, who gets his second test cap, and Thomas Okeyo. Nyambua will once again lead the team from the second row alongside young lock Andycole Omolo.

The front row features the experienced trio of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Mususi, who will be key in the scrums and set pieces.

With so much on the line, all eyes will be on Ashiundu to bring his speed and strength to the right flank. The winger is known for his powerful runs and will be hoping to match Chao's try-scoring form to help Kenya reach the final.

In the other semifinal, Namibia, one of the tournament favourites, will face Algeria. Like Chao, Namibia's AK Kearns and Algeria's Nadir Megdoud also have two tries each, making the race for the tournament's top try scorer wide open.

If Kenya wins today, they will be just one match away from attempting to qualify for the Rugby World Cup for the first time.