Erick Kopondo will make his first Resolution Impala Saracens start this season, on Saturday as the team makes nine changes, to the starting team that lost 26-29 to Kabras Sugar RFC in Kakamega, last weekend. The Sarries host Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad RFC at Impala Club, Ngong Road.
“Kopo has shown the type of mongrel intensity, at the training park, that we are looking for at this stage of the season,” says the club Director of Rugby.
“We have to get into the groove early against Blad whose standout players include the free running backrow Steve Odhiambo. They enjoy a fluid, high speed game. We must look after possession well and cut their space”
James Kubasu retains his loosehead position while Daniel Ndome starts as hooker for the unavailable Kelvins Karani. Meshack Tunechi will be earning his second start with the Gazelles at tighthead pushing last weekend’s Anthony Orege, to the bench.
Davis Makori’s grinding work rate earns him retention at lock. His partner this weekend is Erick Kerre who showed flashes of kickoff and loose play brilliance in Kakamega. Simon Muniafu is on the wood.
Kopondo replaces veteran Joel Omer who has a workload off weekend. Tyson Okoth maintains his starting openside flanker jersey but Paul Mutsami has been replaced by captain Duncan Ekasi at 8th man.
It will be a Samson Onsomu – Nato Simiyu halfback partnership this weekend. Mohammed Omollo starts from the bench.
Kenya Sevens reserve Derrick Mayar replaces Richard Sidindi at the left wing while the on form finisher Leon Adongo is on the right wing, once again. Sidindi starts in the same position in the 2pm fixture.
Robin Kiplang’at returns from injury to start at full-back.
Seje Owade and George Okowa are the midfield pair at the inside and outside centres respectively.
The last time Impala played against Blak Blad, the students drove Impala close. Impala led 21-18 at half-time before pulling away in the second stanza. The victory only looked certain with Okowa’s try and conversion, at the end.
Okowa was in good knick last weekend too, contributing to Impala’s two points by intercepting a sure Kabras try, scoring his own and converting twice, once from the corner.
Blak Blad are 10th on the Kenya Cup log with 16 points. They are still technically in the relegation zone. Impala sit 4th with 53 points and will seek a solid finish at the preliminaries and a home semi final qualiifer match.
“It’s all about the right mind frame, at this point,” concludes Ollows
Starting XV
1 James Kubasu
2 Daniel Ndome
3 Meshack Tunechi
4 Davis Makori
5 Erick Kerre
6 Erick Kopondo
7 Tyson Okoth
8 Duncan Ekasi (C)
9 Samson Onsomu (VC)
10 Nato Simiyu
11 Derrick Mayar
12 Seje Owade
13 George Okowa
14 Leon Adongo
15 Robin Kiplang’at
Replacements
16 Edgar Obino
17 Stephen Juma
18 Anthony Orege
19 Simon Muniafu
20 Paul Mutsami
21 Mohammed Omollo
22 Israel Soi
23 Samuel Oliech
