Cheetahs ready to claw Rhinos as Rugby Super Series enters round three

Menengai Cream Cheetahs are geared up for the third round of the Rugby Super Series slated for May 18 at the Bull Ring in Kakamega.

The Lawi Buyachi-coached side will be looking to maintain the top of the table slot after an impressive performance in the past rounds.

They have not tasted a loss since the series kicked off. Their impressive performance sees them top the table with eight points.

They began their campaign with a 29-7 victory over Kabras Sugar Buffaloes before seeing off KCB Bank Lions 18-16 in the match played in Nakuru last weekend.

They will be looking to extend their fine run.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport ahead of the match, Buyachi was optimistic that their intense work during training would eventually pay off. He noted that they had several injuries and knocks, but were looking to engage other members of the team.

“Our week has been intense. Putting the paces to refine areas of need for matchday three. The boys are in top shape and are raring to go. We had a couple of knocks and injuries but they were not that serious.

“Those that needed rest, we have rested them to ensure that we have a strong pool for the next game. The conditions here are not bad. We hope to have a beautiful game,” he offered.

The tactician has also made a total of eleven changes to his starting lineup.

The back row duo of Felix Odhiambo and Amos Nyamanya are the only forwards to be spared in the overhaul, with the latter named the team’s co-captain.

In the backs, Alvin Khavoli moves from the right wing to the left wing.

Tyson Maina moves from outside center where he has played the last two games to inside center.

He co-captains the team for the weekend.

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Kenya Sevens International Denis Abukuse gets his first taste of the Rugby Super Series at outside center while Javan Okwaro also gets his first start at right wing.

Faiba Mobile Rhinos will be enjoying the return of their head coach Paul Murunga, who is back from Madagascar where he was coaching the Lionesses’ 15s national team.

He has made changes to his side in search of the first win.

From the squad that started in the loss to Kabras Sugar Buffaloes, seven players have been dropped.

Raymond Chacha, Charlton Mokua, Patrick Wainaina, Stephen Osumba, Zedden Marrow, Charles Odhiambo and Jan Remke are all preferred to Adam Mugo, John Aswani, Arnold Muita, Evin Asena, Paul Mutsami, Matoka Matoka and Harmony Wamalwa.

Adam Mugo, John Aswani, Arnold Mwita, Evin Asena and Paul Mutsami are named on the bench. This game kicks off at 2 pm.

Meanwhile, the Buffaloes will be hoping to capitalize on the home advantage to pick a second win.

They are coming off a 27-21 victory over the Rhinos.

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Oliver Mang’eni’s charges; the Lions will be looking to bounce back from their narrow loss in the hands of Cheetahs.

Duncan Kioko will officiate the match between Cheetahs and Rhinos. He will be assisted by Constant Cap and Alumasa Bonfotra.

Victor Oduor will be the referee of the match between Buffaloes and Lions. He will be assisted by Nobert Bonyi and Robinson Kiplangat.

Menengai Cheetahs starting lineup

Kevin Kiget, Emmanuel Mboya, Brian Onyango, Tyson Okoth, Barry Opondo, Nelson Tengeye, Felix Odhiambo, Amos Nyamanya ©, James Muthoni, Abutwalib Abdalla, Alvin Khavoli, Tyson Maina ©, Dennis Abukuse, Javan Okwaro, Samuel Macharia

Bench

Reuben Gathoni, Francis Orembe, Boisterous Makenzi, Ibrahim Ayoo, Clinton Juma, Samson Onsomu, Philip Otieno, Chrispine Shitundo

Faiba Mobile starting lineup

Raymond Chacha, Mohamed Khaidar, Meshack Tunnech, Charlton Mokua, Ryan Odua, Steven Odhiambo ©, Laban Kipsang, Sheldon Kahi, Patrick Wainaina, Stephen Osumba, Zedden Marrow, Shem Okola, Charles Odhiambo, Jan Remke, Victor Odhiambo

Bench

Adam Mugo, Eric Shimoli, Abel Matanda, John Aswani, Arnold Muita, Evin Asena, Paul Mutsami, Fred Shisia.