The Tusker Simba XV technical bench has predictably made whole sum changes to the match 22 to face the Boland Cavaliers in Cape town. As mentioned earlier this will be a recurring theme over this tournament, remember we are here to prepare of the World Cup qualifiers.
Out of the 15 that started against the Bulldogs, only four retain their starting spot, captain Wilson Kopondo, Brian Nyikuli, Leonard Mugaisi and Cyprian Kuto. Mugaisi moves to outside centre from his traditional 14 with Kuto taking this slot up from 11.
The front row sees Moses Amusala start for the first time in the tournament at lose head with Duncan Mwangi starting at tight head for the second time. Emmanuel Mavala partners Kopondo at second row as Chenge and Owila join Nyikuli in the back row.
Robert Aringo will partner Agero at half back, his first start in the position. Austine Gumo partners Mugaisi in a new look centre partnership but the two being from the same club should click quite easily. Tony Onyango starts at Full back in place of Adimo who is on the bench, Tony will be partnered by Kuto and Muhanji in the back three.
A great looking side with several new combinations across the board, looking at the bench you see cover personnel in case things don’t work out. Lilako and Adaka at front row, Mang’eni at lock, Okombe at back row, Achayo, Adimo and Mukidza in the backs.
This side will face an injury struck Cavaliers side, that has so far lost up to eight players. They are yet to win in this campaign and have so far fallen to Western Province 16-8, EP Kings 60-6 and most recently 46-17 to the SWD Eagles. The side finished bottom of the Southern Conference last year on 9 points after 1 win.
With those stats, you feel the side will not get a better chance of claiming another win in this competition. They should however be wary of this wounded Boland side who will come into this one equally confident against the new boys.
The match kicks off at 5:00 pm Kenyan time…
15. Tony Onyango, 14. Cyprian Kuto, 13. Leonard Mugaisi, 12. Austin Gumo, 11. Dennis Muhanji, 10. Eden Agero, 9. Robert Aringo, 8. Martin Owila, 7. Davis Chenge, 6. Brian Nyikuli, 5. Emmanuel Mavala, 4. Wilson Kopondo (captain), 3. Duncan Mwangi,2. Edward Oseko, 1. Moses Amusala
Replacements
16. Maxwell Adaka, 17. Curtis Lilako, 18. Oliver Mang’eni, 19. Michael Okombe, 20. Edwin Achayo, 21. Isaac Adimo, 22. Darwin Mukidza
KWISHA….Nimeruka Nje!!!
