Hard carrying lock Dan Otela is set to debut for Resolution Impala Saracens in their Eric Shirley Shield fixture against Strathmore Leos. The defending champions put in an authoritative performance winning 64-7 against Blak Blad II last weekend.
“Dan (Otela) adds grunt to our close quarters play. He should enjoy the Leos II challenge,” said Fred Ollows, Impala’s Director of Rugby.
“Last weekend, we showed how we can, and want to play. We are seeking consistency as we come up against Leos, this weekend”
In addition to Otela, seven other changes have been made to last weekend’s starting side. Tighthead prop Anthony Orege, Otela, lock Rainer Omondi, flanker Steve Shammah and no. 8 Warren Nyanjom will start against the Catulus forward pack.
They replace Meshack Tunechi, Edwin Gatungo, Wambiri Chege and Paul Mutsami respectively. Tunechi and Mutsami have been called up to the Kenya Cup side while Gatungo and Chege are in the replacements bench.
In the backs, Carlos Raoul returns to inside centre pushing David Moenga to the blindside wing. Brian Opar returns to play right wing. Moenga replaces Richard Sidindi who has Gazelle duty while Opar comes in for the injured Douglas Ochako.
The Kenya Sevens debutant Derrick Mayar is on the replacements bench. Mayar is chasing a potential HSBC World Sevens Series debut this season.
Starting XV
1. Victor Ochieng 2. Jimmy Mwangi 3. Anthony Orege
4. Dan Otela 5. Rainer Omondi
6. Steve Shammah 7. Anthony Oyugi (C) 8. Warren Nyanjom
9. Xavier Kipng’etich 10. Robin Kiplang’at
11. David Moenga 12. Carlos Raoul 13. Patrick Mutuku 14. Brian Opar 15. Ian Mabwa
Replacements
16. Collins Chogo 17. Bryan Jarra 18. Frank Ndong 19. Elvis Oroko 20. Wambiri Chege 21. Edwin Gatungo
22. Michael Ochieng 23. Derrick Mayar
