Kenya Simbas brace for historic Currie Cup clash against Leopards at RFUEA Grounds

The men’s national rugby 15s side, Kenya Simbas, will for the first time in history play a Currie Cup Division One game in the country when they host South African side Leopards at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday afternoon in their penultimate match of the tournament.

Back in April, the national side had flown down to South Africa to take part in the Currie Cup as part of their ongoing preparations for the 2023 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers.

Having been out of the country for two months, the team finally made its way back this week to complete their last two matches in Nairobi in a Series dubbed the ‘Currie Cup Nairobi Series’ where the team will take on Leopards before wrapping up the tournament against Eastern Province Elephants next weekend still at RFUEA Grounds.

This unique arrangement is a first in the history of the South African second tier tournament as it has never been played outside the country’s borders.

Being at home, Simbas, who have only won one game in the six matches they have played so far, will be hoping to delight the home base and show the improvements they have made when they take to the field in their first match in the country since 2021.

“We shall carry the day if we shall be able to slow them down and be able to play in the right places for territorial advantage through accurate kicking. The Leopards are quick when they have the ball and can manipulate a good defence. Perhaps that is informed by their coach, who is a former Springbok fly-half. The team that will dominate at lineouts, scrummages and kick-off will win the duel,” explained Simbas head coach Paul Odera.

On the other hand, Leopards coach Andre Pretorius said he expected a physical battle with Simbas looking to prove a point on home soil.

“We have seen Kenyan boys train and play back in South Africa. Their conditioning has improved. We know the Simbas will come out firing but at the end of the day, it will be the team that will get it right in lineouts, scrums and kicks,” he offered.

The match is scheduled for a 4.00pm kickoff.

Simbas Squad

15. Darwin Mukidza 14. Derrick Ashiundu 13. Vincent Onyala 12. John Okoth 11. Beldad Ogeta 10. Dominic Coulson 9. Samuel Asati 1. Edward Mwaura 2. Teddy Akala 3. Ephraim Oduor 4. Emmanuel Silungi 5. Davis Chenge 6. George Nyambua 7. Daniel Sikuta © 8. Bethuel Anami

REPLACEMENTS

16. Eugene Sifuna 17. Andrew Siminyu 18. Joseph Odero 19, Thomas Okeyo 20. Martin Owillah 21. Brian Tanga 22. Bryceson Adaka 23. Andrew Matoka

Leopards

15. Duren Hoffman 14. Poienaar van Niekerk 13. Andries Truter © 12. Vuyo Mboto 11. Quan Eymann 10. Martin Venter 9. Shirwin Cupido 1. Ruben du Plessis 2. Robey Leibrandt 3. Joe Ngcem 4. Marvelous Mashumbyi 5. Vince Maruping 6.Gustav Erlank 7.Brice Nteta 8.HP Swart

REPLACEMENTS

16.Tiaan van Niekerk 17. JP Mans 18. Sampie Swiegers 19. Matrco van Deventer 20. Tjaart Benadie 21.Eugene Hare 22.Riaan Genis 23. Keenan Twigg