Kenya Simbas prey on Wolves

What you need to know:

  • “Our main target this season is to win the Test matches and the Africa Cup matches so as improve our World Rugby ranking,” said Nyikuli.
  • The naming of four kickers in the team could be an indicator to Paarwater’s strategy where he is eying territorial dominance over the Wolves. Besides Oliech, the other recognizable kickers are Quins scrum half Lyle Asiligwa and fly half Isaac Adimo.

Composed Kenya Simbas will be looking for an upset victory against confident Portugal Wolves in their international Test match today at the RFUEA ground from 4pm.

Kenya skipper Brian Nyikuli is confidence of victory saying a good results will lay the foundation for a rather busy international calendar for the team that includes a Test against Spain and the Africa Rugby Division 1A fixtures.

“Our main target this season is to win the Test matches and the Africa Cup matches so as improve our World Rugby ranking,” said Nyikuli.
Portugal are ranked 23rd in the world, nine positions above Kenya.

Kenya will want to put up a credible show and earn some respect from their adoring fans, who need some consolation after their beloved team failed to qualify for this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Kenya coach Jerome Paarwater has unleashed six rookies for the assignment with four of them starting. They are Homeboyz lock Emmanuel Mavala, Kenya Commercial Bank’s duo of left wing Jacob Ojee and right wing Darwin Mukidza and the enterprising Impala Saracens full-back Samuel Oliech.

PAARWATER STRATEGY

KCB’s hooker Peter Karia will start off the bench alongside Impala Saracens Robert Aringo.  Mavala and Aringo played for Kenya during the Vodacom Cup and now have the opportunity to play in their maiden international capping.

The naming of four kickers in the team could be an indicator to Paarwater’s strategy where he is eying territorial dominance over the Wolves. Besides Oliech, the other recognizable kickers are Quins scrum half Lyle Asiligwa and fly half Isaac Adimo.

Portugal team manager Carlos Alexandre Lopes Domingues Febrero has promised an all-round display and hopes that the altitude won’t affect a good delivery.

“We are glad to be playing in Kenya for the first time. We know they have a good sevens side but we are here to test their 15s system and perhaps teach each other some tactics,” said  Febrero.

The Wolves bring in eight players based in France. They will be led by Vasco Nunes Barata de Sousa Uva, who will be earning his 100th international cap.