RESOLUTION Impala Saracens Director of Rugby, Fred Ollows, has made wholesale change to the front row of the team that lost its unbeaten record to the KCB Cubs last weekend. Impala lost an enthralling 21-35 match.
The three are part of nine changes, one positional, to team to challenge Kabras Sugar II at their ASK Kakamega Showground home.
Soita Wekesa, Jimmy Mwangi and Meshack Tunechi replace Edgar Obino, Chris Mwenda and Stephen Ayora at loosehead, hooker and tighthead respectively. Ayora shifts to lock to pair Shem Angugo.
Paul Oimbo, who partnered with the Angugo last weekend starts on the Kenya Cup bench.
Edwin Gatungo replaces the unavailable Erick Kopondo at blindside flank. He combines at backrow with now regular openside Elvis Oroko and Valentino Cosmas at 8th man.
The creative Ian Mabwa and Anthony Odhiambo halfback partnership prevails once more. Brian Opar maintains his left wing position while David Moenga replaces Carlos Raoul at inside centre. Raoul is uninvolved in this weekend’s 360 km trip to Kakamega.
Outside centre Robert Otieno returns to Kakamega this week after his good outing against Western Bulls last month. He replaces regular Patrick Mutuku whose workload is being managed.
Quinto Ongo retains the captain’s arm band at the right wing while Timothy Makiya, entering the squad for the first time this season, after a long absence, is at fullback. Last weekend’s fullback – Mark Kwemoi moves to start the 4pm fixture.
Two academy graduands have been named on the Bok side, in their first senior rugby assignments: Hooker Simon Peter (SP) Okoth and utility back Sidney Chacha. Kenya’s most capped player Moses Kola makes it to the bench on his 40th birthday.
“The Boks are a proud side. They will be looking to return to winning ways, after a really good run. Even with last weekend’s loss, they still produced some eye candy rugby,” said Ollows
Starting XV
1 Soita Wekesa
2 Jimmy Mwangi
3 Meshack Tunechi
4 Stephen Ayora
5 Shem Angugo
6 Edwin Gatungo (VC)
7 Elvis Oroko
8 Valentino Cosmas
9 Ian Mabwa
10 Anthony Odhiambo
11 Brian Opar
12 David Moenga
13 Robert Otieno
14 Quinto Ongo
15 Timothy Makiya
Replacements
16 Simon P. Okoth
17 Onsongo Nyamwaya
18 Joshua Momanyi
19 Evans Omondi
20 Wambiri Chege
21 Moses Kola
22 Patrick Mutuku
23 Sidney Chacha
