RESOLUTION Impala Saracens has made three changes to the starting line up that beat Nondesripts RUFC 24-7 last weekend. One of these changes is an injury caution. On form right winger Leon Adongo has been given a one week break to fully heal his sore ankle.
“Leon’s is a player welfare call. Our medical team viewed him as borderline and so we thought it better for him to take a breather to recuperate fully,” says Fred Ollows, Director of Rugby at Impala Saracens.
Utility prop Stephen Juma returns to the Gazelles starting XV this week as loosehead. James Kubasu who started there last weekend starts off the bench. Hooker Kelvins Karani, who scored an open play try against Nondies, and tighthead Anthony Orege are retained in the front rank.
Burly lock Davis Makori pairs up with international Erick Kerre to start rather than his international partner Simon Muniafu who will come off the wood.
The backrow has been retained, in probable preference of rising form and pace. Joel Omer, leading the pack and team vice-captain, starts at blindside flank, Tyson Okoth is on the openside and Paul Mutsami is at the tail of the pack.
“A match against ‘Wanyore’ always excites the forwards. They have a decent scrum, carry the ball reasonably and contest the floor ball aggressively – which makes them play on the edge of the law.
We’re approaching the regular season sunset and so expect motivated rugby at Nakuru Athletics Club. The best players live for such fixtures,” adds Ollows.
One back change
Nippy international scrum-half Samson Onsomu retains his match day captaincy role. Fast rising fly half Mohammed Omollo gets to dictate the pace once more. Samuel Motari and Anthony Nyandigisi continue their midfield partnership at inside and outside centre rsspectively.
The two centres scored in contrasting style last weekend: Motari in a brawny display while Nyandigisi turned on the wiles in initiating and completing his try.
Powerful Kenya Sevens reserve Derrick Mayar is on the left wing while diminutive and pacey Quinto Ongo is Adongo’s replacement on the right. Veteran Nato Simiyu, last weekend’s most prominent line breaker, completes the back three as fullback.
In changes to the bench, utility back Israel Soi returns from long injury, while Richard Sidindi returns from Bok duty.
Impala sit fifth on the Kenya Cup log with 45 points, six away from the table topping KCB, garnered from nine wins of 12 matches. Nakuru are sixth with 34 points having won seven matches.
The two teams last played a pre-seaon friendly on October 29th last year. The Resolution Impala Alpha won the high-scoring match 31-29.
Follow the live scores of this lively encounter on our Twitter handle: @impalasaracens
Starting XV
1 Stephen Juma
2 Kelvins Karani
3 Anthony Orege
4 Davis Makori
5 Erick Kerre
6 Joel Omer (VC)
7 Tyson Okoth
8 Paul Mutsami
9 Samson Onsomu (C)
10 Mohammed Omollo
11 Derrick Mayar
12 Samuel Motari
13 Anthony Nyandigisi
14 Quinto Ongo
15 Nato Simiyu
Replacements
16 Daniel Ndome
17 James Kubasu
18 Dennis Karani
19 Simon Muniafu
20 Duncan Ekasi
21 Robin Kiplang’at
22 Israel Soi
23 Richard Sidindi
