TEN changes, three of those positional, to last weekend’s starting line-up versus Topfry Nakuru RFC, mark the Resolution Impala Saracens team to face the KCB RFC this Saturday at Impala Club. The Gazelles picked a bonus point 21-17 loss to the ‘Wanyore’.
Loose-head prop James Kubasu starts in place of Stephen Juma who is off the bench this weekend. International Simon Muniafu pulls on the number 5 jersey in fellow international Erick Kerre’s stead. Kerre is on the wood. Tyson Okoth shifts from the openside flank to the blindside. Joel Omer is on the bench. Paul Mutsami moves from 8th man to openside flank to see Duncan Ekasi lead the team from 8th man.
Kenya fly-half Nato Simiyu will finally start at the position. Mohammed Omollo who has been running proceedings at ten is on the replacements roll.
Hard running Kenya Sevens reserve Derrick Mayar is uninvolved this weekend. His left wing jersey is snapped up by the spirited Richard Sidindi.
Seje Owade, just called up to the Kenya Simbas, is back to fitness to take on the KCB Lions. The inside centre, who has been on the Melbourne Rebels’, wider squad concussed on 18th February 2017 during Impala’s Mwamba RFC fixture.
He makes a return to replace Samuel Motari who suffered a head clash against Nakuru RFC last weekend.
Leon Adongo who couldn’t play last Saturday as an ankle injury precaution makes a return to the right wing. He replaces Quinto Ongo who goes back to captain the Boks.
Robin Kiplang’at is at fullback following a recent run of good form.
“KCB is one of the sides with a great belief in their physicality. Their key setpiece is the lineout which, converted to maul is a basic strike weapon,” says Fred Ollows, Impala’s Director of Rugby.
“They enjoy picks and drives, ruck-to-maul and such close quarter fights. We have readied ourselves to counter this assault.
Our overally contrasting styles has tended to be inviting for the fans”
Centre Billy Omondi returns to the Gazelles setup after a long injury rehabilitation forced hiatus.
Impala currently sit fourth after 9 wins and 4 losses of the 13 matches played for 47 points. KCB sit atop the league standings with 55 points after 11 wins, one loss and a draw from a similar number of matches played.
The teams last met at the Impala Floodlit last October. Impala won 33-32 to lift the 2016 trophy. ‘The battle of the savannah’ will be another chapter in the rivalry of the two clubs.
Follow the minute by minute match proceedings on our Twitter handle: @impalasaracens
1 James Kubasu
2 Kelvins Karani
3 Anthony Orege
4 Davis Makori
5 Simon Muniafu
6 Tyson Okoth
7 Paul Mutsami
8 Duncan Ekasi (C)
9 Samson Onsomu (VC)
10 Nato Simiyu
11 Richard Sidindi
12 Seje Owade
13 Anthony Nyandigisi
14 Leon Adongo
15 Robin Kiplang’at
Replacements
16 Daniel Ndome
17 Stephen Juma
18 Dennis Karani
19 Erick Kerre
20 Joel Omer
21 Mohammed Omollo
22 Billy Omondi
23 Israel Soi
Kick off: 4pm
Venue: Impala Club
Date: 11 March 2017
