Kenya coach brings on board six rookies for Portugal Test match

What you need to know:

  • KCB’s hooker Peter Karia will start off the bench alongside Impala Saracens Robert Aringo as the Simbas hope to stun the Wolves and improve their World Rugby ranking.
  • “We have seen our opponents recorded tapes and I must say they have a hefty pack with an aggressive and versatile line,” said Wangila.

Six rookies will be on the prowl for their maiden international capping when Kenya Simbas meet Portugal in an international Test match at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater has given Homeboyz lock Emmanuel Mavala a start in his final squad of 22 that will face the Portuguese Wolves that land this morning ahead of the clash.

Kenya Commercial Bank’s (KCB’s) duo Jacob Ojee and Darwin Mukidza and the enterprising Impala Saracens player Samuel Oliech will all start at back three.

KCB’s hooker Peter Karia will start off the bench alongside Impala Saracens Robert Aringo as the Simbas hope to stun the Wolves and improve their World Rugby ranking.

Unveiling the team yesterday, team manager Wangila Simiyu, who shortlisted at last four kickers in the starting lineup, said they are looking forward for a more territorial duel so as wade off the Wolves. The kickers are scrum-half Lyle Asiligwa (Quins), fly-half Isaac Adimo, right wing Darwin Mukidza and full back Samuel Oliech.

ACADEMIC COMMITMENTS

“We have seen our opponents recorded tapes and I must say they have a hefty pack with an aggressive and versatile line,” said Wangila.

“The first 30 minutes will be fast and tense hence kicking will be vital. Wangila said they will be using the match as a preparation for their Rugby Afrique Division 1A match against Zimbabwe on June 13.

Kenya will then host Tunisia in their second encounter of Division 1A on June 28 in Nairobi before taking on Spain on July 18 in their second test match. Kenya will wind up with a Division 1A match away to the Rugby World Cup-bound Namibia on August 8.

Back-row Brian Nyikuli (Strathmore Leos) is the new captain, taking over from lock Wilson K’Opondo (Quins), who is unavailable for this fixture owing to academic commitments.