Rugby Africa Cup: Paarwater makes one reserve change ahead of Algeria semi

Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has named an unchanged starting line-up to battle it out with Algeria in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup semifinals set for Wednesday afternoon at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.

Simbas, who began tournament action with a commanding 36-17 victory over Senegal, will however have one change in the reserves, as Michael Wanjala steps in to replace Obat Kuke, who has been dropped completely.

The 1400 EAT clash, which is a repeat of Kenya's 36-33 win in 2022, will be the third game of the day, and will be followed by the other semifinal between Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Hosts Uganda, following their quarter-final loss to Zimbabwe, will take on Burkina Faso in a fifth-semifinal, as Senegal take on Ivory Coast in the day’s early kickoff at 1200 EAT.

Speaking ahead the game, Paarwater believes that the first game provided them with insight on how to handle the semifinal saying: “After Saturday’s game, we did a lot of reviews to see where we could better our plays, and also with the team having not had a match for over eight months, they’re getting more comfortable with the plays as we head into the semi final tomorrow.”

The former Western Province head coach acknowledged that the team needed to improve on their discipline and accuracy in their lineout, considering the fact that they were twice reduced to 14 men against Senegal, and had to toil hard to get the win.

“The way we want to play tomorrow will show because we’ve worked on our set pieces and the execution, as well as maintaining the possession,” Paarwater added.

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Full squad vs Algeria:

1. Ephraim Oduor(Kabras Sugar RFC) 2. Eugene Sifuna – VC (Kabras Sugar RFC) 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar RFC) 4. Ibrahim Ayoo(Menengai Oilers) 5. Hilary Odhiambo(Kabras Sugar RFC) 6. George Nyambua – C (Kabras Sugar RFC) 7. Thomas Okeyo (Griffons RC) 8. Jeanson Misoga (Kabras Sugar RFC) 9. Samson Onsomu – VC (Menengai Oilers) 10. Barry Robinson (Kabras Sugar RFC) 11. Beldad Ogeta(Menengai Oilers) 12. Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar RFC) 13. Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar RFC) 14. Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar RFC) 15. Timothy Omela(Menengai Oilers) 16. Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar RFC) 17. Griffin Musila (KCB RC) 18. Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar RFC) 19. Malcolm Onsando (Timisoara RC) 20. Elkeans Musonye(Menengai Oilers) 21. Michael Wanjala (KCB RC) 22. Abutwalib Wesonga (Menengai Oilers) 23. Richel Wangila*(Kenya Harlequin).

*Denotes potential debut.