NAIROBI, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya national rugby head coach Paul Odera on Friday restored five experienced players to the starting line-up for their Currie Cup first division clash against Border Bulldogs in South Africa.
Loose forward Dan Sikuta and the backline quartet of Brian Tanga, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala and Darwin Mukidza were restored to the Simbas' starting XV.
Odera has further tweaked the front row with Ephraim Odour moving to the left side of the scrum and Joseph Odero coming in at tight head to add more power.
Brian Ndirangu has been thrown into the back row and is tasked with poaching balls at the breakdown.
"We have named the strongest available team for this match. Sadly, we have lost more players through injury. Elkeans Musonye, Shem Angugo and Coleman Were are all injured after last week's brutal match against Griffons," Odera said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
This year's competition features 10 sides - seven from South Africa, namely Eastern Province Elephants, Griffons, Valke, Boland Cavaliers, Border Bulldogs, SWD Eagles and Leopards, as well as teams from Georgia (Black Lion), Kenya (Simbas) and Zimbabwe (Goshawks).
Kenya is using the tournament to prepare for the qualifiers of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. ■
