The Rugby Super Series made its long-awaited comeback over the weekend. Two high-octane rugby matches entertained the crowd that braced the cloudy weather at the RFUEA Grounds.
Nakuru-based Cheetahs proved too slippery for the Kakamega-based buffaloes, running out 18-5 winners in the early kick-off. At 3 pm, Nairobi-based Lions and Rhinos wrestled it out, a duel that saw the Lions thrash the Rhinos 29-7.
At the end of the two games, two players were awarded with trophies for standing out in their respective duels. Felix Odhiambo (Cheetahs) was named the most valuable player in the Cheetahs vs Buffaloes game while Bob Muhati dominated in the Lions vs Rhinos game.
However, other players showed what they are made of in both games. As the Rugby Super Series caravan heads to Nakuru this weekend, these players have now lifted their hands for selection.
Here is our team of the week:
Front rows
The Cheetahs front row dominated in both open play and defense despite contested scrums missing in action. Cheetahs’ Desterious Makenzi managed 8 tackles and 8 carries while playing at loosehead while Buffaloes’ Hillary Mwanjilwa was a force for the Kakamega-based side, especially going forward.
Mwanjilwa managed 10 carries and 3 tackles. Cheetahs’ hooker Celestine Mboi was perhaps the most lethal of the front rows, managing a try, a line break and 3 carries throughout the 80 minutes.
Second rows
The Cheetahs’ looked to be in safe hands with the pairing of captain Ibrahim Ayoo and Clinton Juma. The two have played together at club level throughout the season and it showed in how they went about their business against the Buffaloes.
Ayoo led from the front with 5 tackles and 3 carries while his partner in crime Juma managed 6 tackles, 2 carries and a five-pointer.
Loose Forwards
The back row sees three imperious loose forwards from three different teams. Cheetahs’ Felix Odhiambo’s 7 carries, 6 tackles and a try saw him named player of the match. Lions’ Felix Ojoo put in a huge shift with 7 carries, 6 tackles and a try.
At the base of the scrum, Sheldon Kahi was the Rhinos’ brightest spark. Kahi’s late try did very little to upset the dominance Lions had over the Rhinos, but his 9 carries and 7 tackles are something he can be proud of going into round two.
Half Backs
The Lions’ halfback pairing was the reason they were ticking against the Rhinos. Emmanuel Opondo and Elvis Namusasi have also played together for a majority of the Kenya Cup season and their familiarity was there for all to see.
Emmanuel Opondo’s nippy runs and sniping skills saw him capitalize on a line break to bag a try very early in the second half of their fixture against the Rhinos. In addition to that, Opondo managed 3 tackles and 1 turnover.
Elvis Namusasi was on kicking duties for the Lions, managing 4 kicking goals (3 conversions and 1 penalty). His experience also saw him contribute to his team’s defense efforts, making 4 tackles and 1 turnover in the process.
Centers
The rampaging Bob Muhati was at it again. When Muhati is in full flight, very few dare to face him head on. This time, his 4 tackles, 2 carries and 1 retained kick earned him the player of the match accolade against the Rhinos.
His opposite number Paul Mutsami was another bright spark for a rather gloomy Rhinos that looked jaded. Mutsami’s contribution of 5 carries, 4 tackles and 1 offload earns him a slot in the team of the round.
Back Three
Three impressive players make up our team of the round when it comes to the back three. Buffaloes Griffin Chao joins teammate Hillary Mwanjilwa as the only Buffaloes to impress. 4 carries, 1 line break and 1 offload puts him above his fellow left wingers.
Quinto Ongo was a go-to for the Cheetahs whenever they needed someone to be sure from the tee. His 3 kicking goals (2 penalties and 1 conversion), 2 tackles and 1 line break inspired his side to an 18-5 win over the Buffaloes, earning himself a slot in this team.
Harmony Wamalwa was making a return to local rugby action after a few months away in South Africa. His return for the Rhinos was expected to give them a huge boost and despite their dull show, Wamalwa was a star of his own show. 7 carries, 3 retained kicks and 1 line break were not enough for the Rhinos to win, but were a decent input for a player of his caliber.
The Rugby Super Series caravan heads to Nakuru on 11 May and we hope to see more of these stars in their elements.
Data courtesy of Tisini.co.ke
