There are four changes to the Lionesses starting fifteen ahead of Sunday’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup against Cameroon at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Nelly Chikombe, Terry Ayesa and Freshia Akinyi are handed their first starts of the tournament, having previously come off the bench in the previous two matches.
Chikombe slots into the second row in place of Naomi Jelagat who starts off the bench while Terry Ayesa starts at outside center in place of Moreen Muritu who is rested for this fixture while Freshia Awino at fullback in place of Ann Goretti who also starts from the bench.
Phoebe Akinyi is restored to the starting line-up after missing Wednesday’s defeat to South Africa with a soft tissue injury.
Mercy Migongo, Lewin Mwevezi and Hesla Khisa are in line for their first appearances of the tournament after being named in the match day 23.
A victory for the Lionesses and defeat for Madagascar (who take on South Africa later this afternoon) will secure a second place finish and qualification to the third tier of the newly introduced World Rugby WXV competition.
Lionesses v Cameroon: 15. Freshia Awino, 14. Jean Bisela, 13. Terry Ayesa, 12. Grace Okulu, 11. Stella Wafula, 10. Sinaida Mokaya, 9. Judith Auma, 1. Natasha Emali, 2. Knight Otwoma, 3. Evelyne Kalemera, 4. Nelly Chikombe, 5. Bernadette Olesia, 6. Diana Kemunto, 7. Phoeobe Akinyi, 8. Sheila Chaijra (Captain) REPLACEMENTS 16. Mitchelle Akinyi, 17. Mercy Migongo, 18. Rose Otieno, 19. Hesla Khisa, 20. Naomi Jelagat, 21. Winnie Owino, 22. Lewin Mwevezi, 23. Ann Goretti
