NAIROBI, Kenya, June 27 – Head Coach Jerome Paarwater has handed Martin Owila his full international debut as the Kenya squad to face Namibia in the Confederation of Africa Rugby Cup opener on Saturday was released.
The Nakuru RFC man starts at number eight in a backrow that comprises Brian Nyikuli and Mike Okombe at openside and blindside flank.
Oliver Mang’eni and captain Wilson K’Opondo are at second row with the Kang’ethe twins James and Joseph starting at loosehead and tighthead with hooker Sammy Warui completing the front row.
Lavin Asego starts at fly half, partnering with scrum half Edwin Achayo while Patrice Agunda and Humphrey Kayange feature in midfield.
Wings Dennis Muhanji, Collins Injera and fullback Tony Onyango complete the back three.
“The team has settled in well, they are well aware of the task at hand and have prepared their ammunition for the battle on Saturday,” team manager, Wangila Simiyu, said from Antannarivo Friday.
The match kicks off at 1.00pm local time (+3GMT) with the winner of the round robin tournament that also features the hosts and Zimbabwe qualifying for next year’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Kenya squad to face Namibia
15. Tony Onyango, 14. Collins Injera, 13. Humphrey Kayange, 12. Patrice Agunda, 11. Dennis Muhanji, 10. Lavin Asego, 9. Edwin Achayo, 8. Martin Owila, 7. Michael Okombe, 6. Brian Nyikuli, 5. Wilson K’Opondo (captain), 4. Oliver Mang’eni, 3. James Kang’ethe, 2. Samuel Warui, 1. Joseph Kang’ethe
Reserves: 16. Maxwell Adaka, 17. Curtis Lilako, 18. Moses Amusala, 19. Ronnie Mwenesi, 20.