Simbas seek perfect start to Rugby World Cup qualifiers

National rugby 15’s side, Kenya Simbas, will be looking to get the perfect start in their opening Rugby Africa Cup Pool B fixture when they take on West African side Senegal on Saturday afternoon in the tournament that also doubles up as the Rugby World Cup qualifier.

For head coach Paul Odera, it has not been an easy task getting here. The side started preparations back in May when he named a 102 man squad that has since been whittled to 23, seven getting their maiden call ups in national colours while a number missing out through injuries.

In preparation for the tournament, The Simbas have been engaged in local training every weekend from 22nd May 2021, losing 23-15 in a friendly played against current Kenya Cup leaders Kabras Sugar in the process of those preparations.

“It was also a good thing for us as management as we were able to see the glaring gaps when it comes to technique, strategy and tactics. Our biggest takeaway from the loss was that the attitude was not right and our defence was exposed,” Odera said after the match.

With the top two teams in Group B consisting of Kenya, Zambia and Senegal qualifying, Odera will be hoping the team will build on that loss and produce the desired result against a Senegalese side that can prove to be a tricky opponent.

"First up is Senegal who are a typical West African rugby side. They are big and have a few strong go-to players who we have already pinpointed. We expect them to start at a high pace because when we have watched their videos that is one strength that is coming out clearly. Territory will be key and whoever wins the territorial battles will have a good opportunity of getting a positive result in that match. Part of our tactics will be finding a way to win that battle," Odera said.

The recent meeting between the two sides favours Kenya as the last time they met was in the 2017’s Rugby Africa Gold Cup match at RFUEA Grounds, Simbas winning 45-25.

With this being the first international match in 21 months, head coach Paul Odera will be keen to impress in the Pool to finish top and qualify for the 2022 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

The match kicks off at 1600 EAT.

Elsewhere, women’s side, Kenya Lionesses will have a test match against Madagascar in the earliest fixture of the day kicking off at 1100EAT. Joy Kendagor will captain the squad that will step out for their first international fixture in two years.