Simbas on the prowl: Snook searches for winning blend

Kenya Simbas coach Ian Snook will be searching for the right combination when they meet Romania in Bucharest Saturday in a build-up match for their 2019 Rugby World Cup Repechage qualifiers.

The Repechage will be held from November 11 to 23 in Marseille, France and also involve Canada, Germany and Hong Kong.

Snook rued not playing more international friendly matches to help him come up with his established team for a last stab at earning a spot in the World Cup in Japan.

Speaking before the team left Kenya, an optimistic Snook said he had been working with a unique, talented and hardworking group of players with a huge hunger to succeed.

“A lot of things that have happened in Kenya have never happened in other rugby playing countries,” the New Zealander said.

“For instance, besides grappling with lack of allowances, there is a time when the players took upon themselves to call for alternative transport after a bus taking them to a match failed to come.”

Snook noted that his team will never let something put them at the back foot which showed they were hungry to achieve success at all costs.

Snook said Romania, who were disqualified from the 2019 Rugby World Cup after fielding ineligible players in qualifying, will be a worthy test for the Simbas.

“We would have felt a lot more comfortable knowing who can play where and how if we had at least three build cup matches before the Repechage, but Romania will give us a good run.

“People have already picked on Canada as favourites but we can surprise them, having watched them play on video,” said Snook.

Simba will open their Repechage assignment against Canada on November 11 before tussling with Hong Kong on November 17 and then wrapping up their campaign against Germany on November 23.

Snook also observed that Canada and Hong Kong were professional, highly organised and enjoyed good infrastructure.

“Germany can perform above what many people think. But my boys are determined to give everything they have against these sides. Anything is possible in France,” said Snook.