Saturday 11 May sees the Rugby Super Series caravan head to the South Rift City of Nakuru. Round one took place at the RFUEA Grounds last weekend and lived up to the hype. Two teams managed convincing wins to sit top of the four-team table.
The Menengai Cream Cheetahs thrashed the Kabras Sugar Buffaloes 18-5 in the early kick-off while the KCB Bank Lions put on a show to beat Faiba Mobile Rhinos 29-7 in the 3 pm kick-off.
This means that the KCB Lions sit top with 5 points having managed to get a bonus point in their win. The Menengai Cream Cheetahs are second with 4 points while Kabras Sugar Buffaloes and Faiba Mobile Rhinos are third and fourth with zero points each.
Early kick-off
This weekend, the early kick-off features the battle of two big five members, the Kabras Sugar Buffaloes take on Faiba Mobile Rhinos. The Kabras Sugar Buffaloes have made up to 7 changes to the starting squad that lost 18-5 to the Menengai Cream Cheetahs last weekend.
Geoffrey Shitambasi, Hillary Odhiambo, Gabriel Adero, Collins Osore, Darrel Brantana, Brian Kiptanui and Samwel Omollo come in for Gibson Perez, Jacktone Omondi, Biden Hayo, Dan Ang’wech, Alvin Mutachi, Bede Enonda and James Olela.
Faiba Mobile Rhinos on the other hand have made a total of six personnel changes to their starting lineup. Mohamed Khedir, John Aswani, Laban Kipsang’, Arnold Muita, Victor Odhiambo and Shem Okola all get a starting berth in place of Abel Matanda, Stanslous Shikoli, Barnabas Owuor, Ian Mumbwani, Zeden Marrow and Charles Odhiambo. Odhiambo drops to the bench.
Stand-in coach Callum Oliver has enlisted the services of Kenya U20 scrum half Patrick Wainaina who will look to make an impact from the bench. He is joined by Denis Tubei, Eric Shimoli, Raymond Chacha, Charlton Mokua, Bruce Odhiambo, Charles Odhiambo and Charles Omondi.
The 4 pm kick off features the battle of the “cats”. The Menengai Cream Cheetahs are at home, and they will hope the home advantage pushes them to a much-needed win over the KCB Bank Lions.
Menengai Cream Cheetahs vs KCB Bank Lions
The Lawrence Buyachi-coached side have made only two personnel changes. Kenya Simbas utility back row Elkeans Mukamiti comes in for Samuel Were at the base of the scrum. In the backs, Buyachi has called on the services of Kenya U20 winger Alvin Khavoli who comes in for Samwel Macharia. Quinto Ongo moves from the right wing to full back to accommodate Khavoli.
Kenya U20 center Philip Otieno also comes into the squad but will have to settle for a slot in the bench. He is joined by Impala RFC captain Tyson Okoth as well as Emmanuel Mboya, Eric Miheso, Bryan Onyango, Nelson Tengeye and Samwel Macharia.
Oliver Mang’eni makes a single change to his KCB Bank Lions side. Patrick Ouko comes into the starting line up in place of Wilhite Mususi. The rest of the squad remains the same. Just like his fellow coaches, Mang’eni has enlisted the services of a Kenya U20 star, Andy Cole Omollo. Omollo joins James Ochieng’, Nicholas Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Manasseh Oduor, Randy Wamah, Derrick Masese and Charles Tendwa on the bench.
Both games will be played at the Nakuru Athletic Club. Tickets go for Ksh 500 for Regular, Ksh 200 for parking and Ksh 2000 for VIP (parking included). Get your tickets on Tikohub.
Kabras Sugar Buffaloes Starting Lineup
Edward Mwaura, Geoffrey Shitambasi (C), Hillary Mwanjilwa, Hillary Odhiambo, Clinton Litali, Thomas Simiyu, Collins Indeche, Gabriel Adero, Collins Osore, Eric Cantona, Griffin Chao, Darrel Brantana, Hillary Salano, Brian Kiptanui, Samuel Omollo
Bench
Jeremy Odhiambo, Emmanuel Otieno, Darrel Oluoch, Andrew Wangila, Biden Hayo, Jacktone Omondi, Patrick Kluivert, David Williams
Faiba Mobile Rhinos Starting Lineup
Mohamed Khedir, Adam Mugo, Meshack Tunnech, Ryan Odua, John Aswani, Steven Odhiambo ©, Laban Kipsang, Sheldon Kahi, Arnold Muita, Evin Asena, Victor Odhiambo, Shem Okola. Paul Mutsami, Matoka Matoka, Harmony Wamalwa
Bench
Dennis Tuibei, Eric Shimoli, Raymond Chacha, Charlton Mokua, Patrick Wainaina, Bruce Odhiambo, Charles Odhiambo, Charles Omondi
Menengai Cream Cheetahs Starting Lineup
Francis Orembe, Celestine Mboi, Desterious Makenzi, Ibrahim Ayoo ©, Clinton Juma, Amos Nyamanya, Felix Odhiambo, Elkeans Mukamiti, Samson Onsomu, Tonny Owino, Beldad Ogeta, Chrispine Shitundo, Tyson Maina, Alvin Khavoli, Quinto Ongo
Bench
Emmanuel Mboya, Eric Miheso, Bryan Onyango, Nelson Tengeye, Tyson Okoth, Philip Otieno, Samuel Macharia
KCB Bank Lions Starting Lineup
Oscar Simiyu, Givens Oduor, Patrick Ouko, Collins Kubayo, Emmanuel Silungi, Eliakim Kichoi, Obat Kuke ©, Felix Ojoo, Emmanuel Opondo, Elvis Namusasi, Derrick Wechuli, Bob Muhati, Levi Amunga ©, Davies Masinga, Benjamin Rugar
Bench
James Ochieng’, Nicholas Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Andy Cole Omollo, Manasseh Oduor, Randy Wamah, Derrick Masese, Charles Tendwa
