The second game of the Rugby Super Series opening weekend will see two Nairobi-based franchises take on each other. The Oliver Mang’eni-coached Lions will take on record Rugby Super Series winners Rhinos coached by former Shujaa Head Coach Paul Murunga.
The Lions are perhaps the most balanced franchise with at least a player from all six constituent clubs. Coached by former KCB and Kenya Simbas lineout general Oliver Mang’eni, they have the perfect balance of youngsters ready and eager to impress and some experienced heads.
Oscar Simiyu and Wilhite Mususi start in the front row on either side of Blakblad’s Givens Oduor—Collins Kubayo partners with Emmanuel Silungi in the engine room. Mwamba’s utility back row Eliakim Kichoi packs down the blind side of the back row trio that also has co-captain Obat Kuke and Felix Ojoo.
Emmanuel Opondo has been knocking on the door for a starting opportunity and it finally arrives. He partners clubmate Elvis Namusasi in the playmaking roles. KCB duo of Bob Muhati and the other co-captain Levi Amunga form a lethal midfield partnership.
JKUAT Cougar’s wonderkid Davis Masinga joins Derrick Wechuli and Benjamin Rugar in a very exciting back three. On the bench, KCB Captain Griffin Musila will look to terrorize the Rhinos defense when called upon.
On the other end, Paul Murunga has also named his squad, mostly relying on experience. The front row of Meshack Tunech, Adam Mugo and Abel Matanda get the nod to start, supported by Stanslous Shikoli and Ryan Odua in the engine room.
The back row is made up of captains. Franchise Captain Steve Odhiambo is joined in the loose forwards by Strathmore Leos Captain Barnabas Owuor and Kenya Harlequin Co-Captain Sheldon Kahi.
Ian Mumbwani partners Evin Asena in the playmaking roles while Paul Mutsami and Charles Odhiambo will look to dominate from the midfield. Zeden Marrow, Matoka Matoka and the returning Harmony Wamalwa form the back three.
Dennis Tubei, Raymond Chacha, John Aswani, Charles Omondi, Stephen Osumba, Shem Okola, Jan Remke and Mohamed Khadir will look to make an impact from the bench.
This fixture kicks off at 3 pm at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road. Entry Fee is Ksh 500.
Lions Starting Lineup
- Oscar Simiyu, 2. Givens Oduor, 3. Wilhite Mususi, 4. Collins Kubayo, 5. Emmanuel Silungi, 6. Eliakim Kichoi 7. Obat Kuke ©, 8. Felix Ojoo 9. Emmanuel Opondo, 10. Elvis Namusasi, 11. Derrick Wechuli, 12. Bob Muhati, 13. Levi Amunga ©, 14. Davis Masinga, 15. Benjamin Rugar
Bench
- Griffin Musila, 17. Nicholas Okulo, 18. Patrick Ouko, 19. Manasseh Oduor, 20. Randy Wamah, 21. Derrick Masese, 22. Daniel Oyoo, 23. Derrick Olela
Rhinos Starting Lineup
- Meshack Tunnech 2. Adam Mugo 3. Abel Matanda 4. Stanslous Shikoli 5. Ryan Odua 6. Barnabas Owuor 7. Steven Odhiambo © 8. Sheldon Kahi 9. Ian Mumbwani 10. Evin Asena 11. Zeden Marrow 12. Paul Mutsami 13. Charles Odhiambo 14. Matoka Matoka 15. Harmony Wamalwa
Bench
- Dennis Tubei 17. Raymond Chacha 18. John Aswani 19. Charles Omondi 20. Stephen Osumba 21. Shem Okola 22. Jan Remke 23. Mohamed Khadir
