Paarwater plots home defeat for Malagasy Makis
National rugby team’s Brian Nyikuli trains at the Barclays Bank Sports Club on May 17. The Kenya national rugby team takes on Portugal in an international test match Saturday at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO
What you need to know:
- Smooth sailing for Kenya
- Paarwater has rested most of those who featured in their opening round 29-22 victory over Namibia on Saturday, when Zimbabwe crushed Madagascar 57-22 in the other match.
- Brian Nyikuli and Michael Okombe will be on the bench. Debutante Martin Owila has been replaced by youngster Joshua Chisanga at Number 8 while scrum-half Lyle Asiligwa and fly-half Kenny Andola come in for Edwin Achayo and Lavin Asego at half-back.
Kenya 15s head coach Jerome Paarwater has made tactical changes in his squad for their second round 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying match against hosts Madagascar in Antananarivo on Wednesday.
Paarwater has rested most of those who featured in their opening round 29-22 victory over Namibia on Saturday, when Zimbabwe crushed Madagascar 57-22 in the other match.
The South African tactician reckoned that they will be up against an attack-oriented Madagascar, hence the need to keep possession as they seek a maiden RWC finals on their sixth attempt.
“I said as we left Nairobi that it was important to bring along more forwards since the battle will be physical upfront,” said Paarwater. “Madagascar is a different kind of game; their support play is superb.
“They are not the biggest guys but if your defence is down on the day they can run you to pieces.”
He rallied the team not to wary about Zimbabwe’s huge score but “just go out there and beat Madagascar”.
Moses Amusala and Curtis Lilako will start at front row instead of the Kang’ethe brothers, props James and Joseph. Maxwell Adaka comes in for Samuel Warui in hooking position while Oliver Mange’ni will be joined by Ronnie Mwenesi at second row.
With skipper Wilson K’Opondo benched this time, Andrew Amonde, who will wear the armband, and Davis Chenge will start at back row this time around.
NYIKULI BENCHED
Brian Nyikuli and Michael Okombe will be on the bench. Debutante Martin Owila has been replaced by youngster Joshua Chisanga at Number 8 while scrum-half Lyle Asiligwa and fly-half Kenny Andola come in for Edwin Achayo and Lavin Asego at half-back.
Wingers Dennis Muhanji and Nick Barasa will join outside centre Humphrey Kayange and his brother inside centre Collins Injera at quarter-back. Michael Agevi joins his siblings Kayange and Injera at fullback in place of Tony Onyango.
Kenya could could have scaled the Namibian hurdle but the Madagascar tie provides yet another test in their quest for the 2015 RWC finals in England and Wales.
Namibia were Kenya’s toughest opponents by virtue of having made the RWC finals four times ahead of the opening round of Confederation Africaine de Rugby Division 1A matches.
