Kenya Simbas set for tough test against Zimbabwe in Rugby Africa Cup semis
The Kenya Simbas are bracing for a stern test when they face defending champions Zimbabwe Sables in the Rugby Africa Cup semifinal this Sunday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
With a place in the final and a crucial step towards 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification at stake, both sides have named strong lineups in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has made just one change to the starting XV that edged past Uganda in the quarterfinals. Speedster Derrick Ashihundu comes in for Timothy Omela on the right wing, joining Griffin Chao and fullback Jone Kubu in a back three known for its attacking flair.
The midfield remains unchanged, with Walter Okoth partnering Bryceson Adaka, while Samuel Asati and Barry Young continue their halfback partnership, the latter once again steering the game from fly-half.
Kenya’s forward pack, which delivered a solid performance in their previous outing, has been retained in full. Captain George Nyambua will pair up with Andycole Omolo in the second row, while the experienced front row trio of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Mususi keeps its place. The back row unit of Patrick Sabatia, Thomas Okeyo, and Bethuel Anami will be tasked with asserting dominance at the breakdown.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, come into the clash on the back of a timely US$100,000 boost from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and a strong showing in last year’s final, where they thrashed Algeria 29–3.
The Sables have made only one change to their squad, with Matthew McNab replacing Trevor Gurwe on the wing. The core of the team remains intact, featuring experienced halfbacks Hilton Mudariki and Ian Prior.
A key inclusion for Zimbabwe is Bruce Houston, a former Ireland U20 international, who has been cleared to feature. The versatile back is expected to come off the bench and could add an extra dimension to their attacking play.
With both teams eyeing a spot in the final, Sunday’s clash promises to be a physical and tactical battle between two of the continent’s rugby heavyweights.
With a place in the final and a crucial step towards 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification at stake, both sides have named strong lineups in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has made just one change to the starting XV that edged past Uganda in the quarterfinals. Speedster Derrick Ashihundu comes in for Timothy Omela on the right wing, joining Griffin Chao and fullback Jone Kubu in a back three known for its attacking flair.
The midfield remains unchanged, with Walter Okoth partnering Bryceson Adaka, while Samuel Asati and Barry Young continue their halfback partnership, the latter once again steering the game from fly-half.
Kenya’s forward pack, which delivered a solid performance in their previous outing, has been retained in full. Captain George Nyambua will pair up with Andycole Omolo in the second row, while the experienced front row trio of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Mususi keeps its place. The back row unit of Patrick Sabatia, Thomas Okeyo, and Bethuel Anami will be tasked with asserting dominance at the breakdown.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, come into the clash on the back of a timely US$100,000 boost from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and a strong showing in last year’s final, where they thrashed Algeria 29–3.
The Sables have made only one change to their squad, with Matthew McNab replacing Trevor Gurwe on the wing. The core of the team remains intact, featuring experienced halfbacks Hilton Mudariki and Ian Prior.
A key inclusion for Zimbabwe is Bruce Houston, a former Ireland U20 international, who has been cleared to feature. The versatile back is expected to come off the bench and could add an extra dimension to their attacking play.
With both teams eyeing a spot in the final, Sunday’s clash promises to be a physical and tactical battle between two of the continent’s rugby heavyweights.
Zimbabwe
Rugby Africa Cup
Kenya Simbas
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