Semi-final battles to serve up thrilling Kenya Cup contests

Who will blink first in the race for places in Kenya Cup rugby final this weekend?

That is the big question when Kenya’s finest teams this season - among them three former winners - meet in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank meet Impala Saracens while Kenya Harlequin tackle last year’s losing finalists Kabras Sugar in the other clash.

KCB braved a battle of nerves to edge Homeboyz 28-8 at Jamhuri Park while Kabras Sugar once again tossed out Nakuru 16-15 in another breathtaking play-offs in Kakamega.

Although Quins and Impala will host the semi-final matches, Kenya Rugby Union’s Leagues and Competitions Committee meets on Tuesday to try and convince the teams to agree to playing the semi-final matches at one venue.

Impala Saracens who are chasing their 11th Cup success and eight-time champions Quins claimed automatic places in the semi-finals after finishing first and second with 80 and 78 points respectively after the first phase of the league.

It was the first season Impala Saracens finished top of the Kenya Cup league since winning the title in 2009. Impala, under coach Fred Ollows, won 16 matches and lost three in the regular season.

Quins, who have had a bumpy ride since winning their last title in 2012, seem to have regained their groove, winning 16 matches and losing two.

FIFTH CUP SUCCESS

KCB, who are on course for their fifth Cup success, have barely survived this season, having lost more than seven players to Kenya Sevens.
Kabras Sugar’s season sailed into rough waters at the start of the season but the team slowly ploughed back to finish third overall.
Stunning victory
Kabras Sugar stunned many when they ended Nakuru’s hopes of third consecutive title, beating them 15-12 in last year’s semi-final. Kabras again staged a repeat show this year, silencing Wanyore in Kakamega on Saturday.

Impala and KCB’s match should generate to a battle of forwards especially after Impala’s packs recovered in style during the season. Impala edged KCB 19-13 during the regular season. The last time the two teams met in the Impala Floodlit final, KCB won 26-16 on their way to their third consecutive final.

“I know KCB like using their pack and are quite direct in approach but we too have a strong pack, having worked on it throughout the season,” said Ollows. “I expect them to deliver quality balls to the backs for a good attack.”

“Bring on Impala…we know the knockout matches tricks,” declared KCB coach Curtis Olago after his men beat Homeboyz.

The meeting between Quins and Kabras Sugar will be the third this season. Quins won the first leg 19-13 in Nairobi before Kabras Sugar turned tables in the second leg in Kakamega, winning 41-17.

“Knock-out matches are interesting since there are no favourites,” said Quins deputy coach Sydney Obonyo. “Let Kabras Sugar know we are bracing for a war. We are ready for anything they will throw our way,” said Obonyo.