Loosehead prop Edgar Obino starts this weekend’s ‘Wanyore’ Eric Shirley Shield match at the expense of Soita Wekesa who starts from the bench. Hooker Chris Mwenda and tighthead prop Meshack Tunechi who had a good day out last weekend have retained their places.
The starting lock combination of Stephen Ayora and Shem Angugo is maintained from last Saturday. Edwin Gatungo and Elvis Oroko get to start at blindside and openside flanker positions respectively.
The Director of Rugby – Fred Ollows, has however made a change at 8th man, bringing on the most experienced Impala player at the moment in place of Valentino Cosmas. Paul Oimbo shall be starting this weekend against Topfry Nakuru RFC II. Ian Mabwa returns to scrum-half, after a week break, to replace Xavier Kipng’etich who is on the bench this weekend.
The backline sees flyhalf Anthony Odhiambo, left winger – David Moenga and outside centre – Patrick Mutuku maintaining their starting roles. Joash Ngesa, returns to replace Carlos Raoul, after long absence. Raoul will be uninvolved in rugby this weekend.
Brian Opar and Mark Kwemoi enter the starting squad at right wing and fullback respectively.
“Our basic aim this weekend is to win and retain our position as the only unbeaten team in all Kenya Rugby leagues,” says Ollows.
“This shouldn’t be difficult considering the clarity with which the team plays”
The Boks captain for several weeks, Quinto Ongo has been called to replace Leon Adongo in the starting Gazelles XV. Richard Sidindi starts off the Gazelles bench in the 4pmfixture. In Ongo’s absence, Mutuku has been named captain to be deputised by his Impala Academy teammate, Edwin Gatungo.
This ESS fixture is at 2pm at Nakuru Athletic Club.
Starting XV
1 Edgar Obino
2 Chris Mwenda
3 Meshack Tunechi
4 Stephen Ayora
5 Shem Angugo
6 Edwin Gatungo (VC)
7 Elvis Oroko
8 Paul Oimbo
9 Ian Mabwa
10 Anthony Odhiambo
11 David Moenga
12 Joash Ngesa
13 Patrick Mutuku (C)
14 Brian Opar
15 Mark Kwemoi
Replacements
16 Jimmy Mwangi
17 Soita Wekeaa
18 Joshua Momanyi
19 Valentino Cosmas
20 Wambiri Chege
21 Xavier Kipng’etich
22 Robert Otieno
23 Emmanuel Okeya
