RESOLUTION Impala Saracens comes head to head with a must win fixture this weekend against Kabras Sugar Rugby Club. After 16 weeks of action, 11 wins and 5 losses, the Kenya Cup playoffs are here.

Kabras beat Impala 29-26 in the crossover segment of the regular season played in Kakamega on 18th March 2017. However, they still finished fifth to Impala’s fourth. Impala has 58 points. Kabras settled at 56 points.

Many pundits view Impala’s main strength as being in their high tempo play dictated by the international half back pairing of Samson Onsomu and Nato Simiyu. In the season, they have tended to be susceptible to direct physical play, though. Alternately, Kabras has many high impact direct players like no. 8 Max Adaka and lock George Nyambua. They have, however, struggled with 80 minute fitness.

Two changes have been made to Impala’s starting front-row unit that did duty in the 57-18 win over BlakBlad last weekend. James Kubasu retains his starting loosehead role. Hooker Daniel Ndome is taken ill and is unavailable for this duel. He is replaced by the trusted Kelvins Karani. Kelvins will be joined by his brother, seasoned Kenya XV prop Dennis Karani. Dennis starts at tighthead. The two were unavailable last week due to family commitments.

Meshack Tunechi, last weekend’s tighthead will be uninvolved this Saturday.

Locks Davis Makori and Erick Kerre are the lock pairing. They started against Blad last weekend and were explosive against Kabras two weeks ago.

Last weekend’s starting blindside flanker Eric K’Opondo will also not be in pitch action this weekend. Paul Mutsami is recalled to the starting side at openside flanker. Tyson Okoth shifts to blindside flank.

Skipper Duncan Ekasi who missed the Kabras tour due to study commitments dons the 8th man jersey and arm band he wore last weekend against Blad.

In an unchanged backline, lethal inside centre Seje Owade pairs with George Okowa on the outside. Okowa’s boot against Kabras in Kakamega was spine-chilling. Blindside wing hardman, and man of the match last weekend Derrick Mayar returns.

Leon Adongo, who perforated the Kabras try line twice in Kakamega, starts on the right wing. Robin Kiplang’at missed the bus to Kakamega due to injury but has since regained full fitness and will be donning the #15 jersey.

“Knockout matches are always special. They usually depend on who play the big moments better. We want to start well, be accurate and contain Kabras’ big boys – (Hilary) Mwanjilwa, Share 5 (Duncan Mwangi), Nyambua, Adaka and so on,” says Fred Ollows, the Sarries’ Director of Rugby