The Resolution Impala Saracens technical bench has only made three changes to the team that sneaked a win in Kakamega last Saturday. The 480 kilometre journey and a tough opponent in Western Bulls claimed both starting flankers Tyson Okoth and Felix Okari as well as reserve scrum half Mohammed Omollo’s fitness. Although the Bull Ring fixture ended 26-24 in Impala’s favour, the Kenyan Sarries must toil more if they are to blast through Total Nondies RFC.
Impala enter this duel the favorites, having won 7 out of 12 matches played and a 37 points register. The Red Lion natives shouldn’t be discounted, however. Their performance has been experiencing exponential improvement. They are currently 7th on the Kenya Cup log with 31 points amassed from 6 wins from 12 played. The match, which also doubles as the Samson Odhiambo Memorial, will be played under perfect Impala conditions; floodlights. It is also worth noting that this memorial trophy is lying somewhere in the Nondies trophy cabinet.
Starting XV
Pius Shiundu’s consistency and greed for the line is a sure pick at full back. Quinto Ongo and the ever explosive Lameck Dunde join him in the back three.David Dinda plays at inside centre. Okowa George has been entrusted with providing support at outside centre.
Samson Onsomu and Kanyiri Kariuki continue partnering at scrumhalf and fly half respectively.
Joel Omer’s stint at eighth man and captain continues. K’ Opondo Erick replaces Okoth Tyson at 7. Mtalaheri Mathew replaces an injured Felix Okari at 6. Together they join Omer in a back row that will be tasked with foiling any Nondies’ mostly forwards attack.
The starting front five, at Kakamega, has been retained. Kerre Erick and Paul Oimbo partner at lock while
Mathew Mwenesi (loosehead), Kelvins Munene (hooker) and Waithumbi Martin (tighthead) form the front row.
