Kenya rugby stars, Collins Injera and Vincent Onyala, are out of the Kenya Simbas squad that will take on the Algeria Lion Cubs in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Africa qualification semi-final on Wednesday at 7pm (EAT) at Stade Delort in Marseille, France.
The pair were injured during their quarterfinal play against Uganda on Saturday at Stade Maurice David, Aix-en-Provence, according to head coach Paul Odera, who opted to rest them.
The two have been replaced by Bryceson Adaka and Derrick Ashihindu, while Odera has also added second row, Martin Owilah, to the bench instead of Brian Juma.
”Owilah covers both second row and back row plus he brings with him more speed as
opposed to Brian’s power,” said Odera.
According to Odera, Simbas primary focus is on endurance with the hope of maintaining high energy levels for the full 80 minutes of the game.
“We played well against Uganda, kept calm, controlled the game, and didn’t let any errors affect our rhythm.
“However, we didn’t maintain the same intensity towards the end but we have addressed that,” said Odera.
In the last qualification games, Algeria defeated Senegal 35-12 on Saturday at Stade Maurice David, while Kenya thumped the Uganda Cranes 42-7.
Meanwhile, defending champions of the Africa Gold Cup, Namibia, defeated Burkina Faso 71-5 and Zimbabwe crushed Cote d’Ivoire 38-11 on Friday at Stade Delort.
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Kenya Simbas line up:
1. Patrick Ouko, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Malcolm Onsando, 5. Thomas Okeyo, 6. George Nyambua, 7. Daniel Sikuta – Captain, 8. Bethwel Anami, 9. Samuel Asati, 10. Dominic Coulson, 11. Derrick Ashihundu, 12. John Okoth, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 14. Jacob Ojee, 15. Darwin Mukidza.
Reserves
16. Teddy Akala, 17. Edward Mwaura, 18. Joseph Odero, 19. Martin Owilah, 20. Davis Chenge, 21. Brian Tanga, 22. Jone Kubu, 23. Andrew Matoka
