Rugby rumble on Ngong Road as big 4 clash

Will Kabras Sugar withstand the power of Kenya Harlequin and go one better?

That is the question on every rugby fan’s mind as the losing finalists of last year from Western Kenya take on traditional powerhouses of Kenyan rugby Quins in one of the Kenya Cup semi-final matches on Saturday at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa grounds.

Impala Saracens face-off with defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) at the adjacent Impala Sports Club grounds in the other semi-final after efforts to have all matches at one venue failed.

Kabras Sugar, who have several new players, weathered a shaky start to the season to finish third in the league before bundling out former two-time champions Nakuru 16-15 in the play-off for the semi-finals in Kakamega last Saturday.

AUTOMATIC SLOTS

Eight-time champions Quins, who last won the title in 2012, have had a good run finishing the regular season second behind Impala as both sides claimed the automatic places in the semi-finals.

KCB, who are chasing their fifth Kenya Cup after previous victories in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2015, have also had a see-saw season, finishing finish fifth in the log before beating Homeboyz 28-8 to book their semis berth.

“We are definitely going one better but we have to clear the Quins hurdle first,” said Kabras Sugar coach Anthony Ogot.

He added that he was glad they were able to fix the mistakes that bogged them down at the start of the season.

“The good thing is that we fixed the problem in December to only lose two matches since January,” said Ogot. “We had many new players and it took time to gel and find the right combinations.”

“The teams that wants it all will carry the day and we really want this one.”

Skipper and eighthman Max Adaka should lead Kabras’ battle hardened forwards alongside flankers Apenisa Natambua and George Otieno and prop Hillary Mwajilwa.

Quins won the first leg 19-17 before Kabras rolled out an emphatic 47-17 win in the second leg.

Quins coach Joel Ng’ang’a has made one change, drafting in hooker Vincent Ong’era back to the first team after two seasons. “Ong’era who starts at bench has worked hard and his experience will give be valuable,” said Ng’ang’a, who expects a pulsating battle of forwards. “We shall match their strong forwards since that is where the game will be won,” said Ng’ang’a.

Skipper Tony Mutai should lead Quins’ pack that has the versatile Kang’ethe brothers James and Joseph and Ronald Musajja. They should set a good platform for their backs who include the powerful Dennis Muhanji.

Impala and KCB duel should generate into a battle of attrition from the forwards especially after Impala’s renaissance in their pack during the season.

Impala edged out KCB 19-13 during the regular season, but KCB were 26-16 victors at the Impala Floodlit final, the last tie the two teams meet.

Impala Saracens skipper Duncan Ekasi knows there will be no room for error at this stage.  He will rely on experienced  winger Vincent Mose, veteran centre Innocent Simiyu and  fly-half Nato Simiyu.