After three intense weekends of action, it all comes down to the Rugby Super Series final on Saturday. The Menengai Cream Cheetahs, champions in 2004 and 2006, are hoping to become just the second team after the Rhinos to win three RSS titles while the KCB Bank Lions are looking for their first title since 2008.
For what’s sure to be a titanic matchup at Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground, the Rugby Super Series return this year after a 10 year hiatus is set for a thrilling conclusion. Though both teams are worthy, there’s only one that has the right to be crowned Rugby Super Series champion. It will be recalled that the Cheetahs rallied from a 22-3 half time deficit to defeat the Lions 32-25 in the 2006 final.
Back to 2024…The Cheetahs finished second to the Lions at the close of pool play but they come into this fixture boasting the psychological advantage, having defeated the Lions 18-16 in match day two action at the Nakuru Athletics Club on Saturday 11 May. They qualified for the final by virtue of finishing second overall with 2 wins and 1 defeat.
Wiley scrumhalf Samson Onsomu was a pivotal figure for the two time champions in that clash, and indeed has been influential for his side throughout this campaign. Overall, his versatility, intelligence, and technical proficiency have been essential for the Cheetahs this campaign.
Head Coach Lawrence Buyachi will again rely on his experience to lead them to a second successive win over the Lions, the motivating factor this time round being the Rugby Super Series crown.
The goal kicking prowess of Quinto Ongo cannot be ruled out either. He came through for the Cheetahs with two clutch performances in the victories over the Buffaloes and Lions and will be another key figure to look out for on Saturday.
Lions backrow Obat Kuke has been a revelation all tournament, he has been a solid asset for the 2008 champions, showcasing his physical prowess, mental sharpness, and technical skill to fulfil the multifaceted and demanding role of a flanker. His contribution has been indispensable, often making the difference between a solid defensive stand and a dynamic offensive push for the Lions.
Levi Amunga put in a flawless kicking display on match day three, drilling home five penalties that played a big role in the 20-5 result over the Kabras Sugar Buffaloes last weekend in Kakamega. Well, goalkicking is not the only thing up his sleeve, as he proved to be the strategic lynchpin of the team and will again be called upon to deliver his exceptional vision, decision-making abilities, and precise kicking in the bid to steer the Lions to glory.
Their paths to the final
Lions
W 29-7 v Faiba Mobile Rhinos | Saturday 4 May 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
L 16-18 v Menengai Cream Cheetahs | Saturday 11 May 2024 | Nakuru Athletics Club, Nakuru
W 20-5 v Kabras Sugar Buffaloes | Saturday 18 May 2024 | The Bullring, Kakamega
Position: 1
Cheetahs
W 18-5 v Kabras Sugar Buffaloes | Saturday 4 May 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
W 18-16 v KCB Bank Lions | Saturday 11 May 2024 | Nakuru Athletics Club, Nakuru
L 23-27 v Faiba Mobile Rhinos | Saturday 18 May 2024 | The Bullring, Kakamega
Position 2
This match will be preceded by the third place playoff between the Faiba Mobile Rhinos and the Kabras Sugar Buffaloes which kicks off at 2.00pm.
