Elgon Cup Round 2 Preview.

The return leg of the Elgon Cup will be played at Kampala’s Kyadondo Rugby Club this Saturday, 22^nd June 2013. With both ties finely poised, the trophies on hand could be heading either way. The Kenya Lionesses hold a one point margin over the lady cranes, with the Rugby Cranes holding a similar advantage over their Kenya male counter parts.

Mike Agevi in action during the 1st leg. (Photo - KRU)

If the matches at the MISCK showed anything, it’s just how evenly matched these sides are. Both ties were decided by very little, though the home sides did dominate the proceedings the visitors did well to keep the scores that tight. This time the tide should be against the Kenyans as they take the Kyadondo turf. If they are to take the trophies with them across the border, they’ll have to match their performance at home and be more clinical in front of goal.

Uganda Lady Cranes VS Kenya Lionesses (K.O 2:00 PM)

The Lionesses will be going into this one with a slight edge over their hosts. They managed to dominate their counterparts at the MISCK and will hope that they do not regret not taking their chances in Nairobi. The Lady Cranes on their part will look to run things in their backyard and do better than their opponents with the possession.

The Kenyans who left for Kampala on Wednesday Night by road, carry the same 23 that featured in Kasarani. Head coach Kevin Wambua keeping faith with the squad that got the job done at home. The team should also not feature any changes in game plan, sticking to the running rugby that devastated the lady cranes.

Celestine Masinde and Irene Otieno in action at MISCK (Photo - KRU)

The Ugandan’s should also stick with the same 23 that did well to hold the Kenyans at bay. This time probably employing a more attacking approach, around their heavy forwards. Christine Kizito who was kept silent in Nairobi should be central in this one.

Big performances from captain Doreen Remuor, Irene Otieno and Philladelphia Olando will be vital if the Lionesses are to defend their Elgon Cup crown. This will however depend on how well the forwards match their opponents.

The stakes are really high in this one, apart from the regional bragging rights, the winner here meets the Lady Boks for a chance to represent the Continent at the World Cup.

Uganda Rugby Cranes VS Kenya XVs (K.O 4:00 PM)

The second tie sees the rugby cranes hold a vital advantage over their neighbours. The Cranes defended resolutely at Kasarani and will be looking to turn tide on their opponents, with a more attacking approach. The Cranes survived wave after wave of attack from the Kenyans and thanks to their defensive lines and a bit of luck they left Nairobi with a point advantage.

Edwin Achayo in action (Photo KRU)

Head Coach Jerome has made only one change in the starting fifteen that fell at home, David Ambunya replacing Cyprian Kuto at blind wing. Wilson Kopondo is back in the fold but only makes it to the bench alongside Gibson Weru who replaces Lyle Asiligwa. The biggest and maybe most significant change is the return of long serving Team Manager Wangila Simiyu, his influence on the team cannot be put in words.

Jerome has shown great faith in his boys by giving them a second shot at the Cranes despite wide spread calls to add some experience in the side. It is now up to the team to repay this faith with a win in Kampala, if they do win, it will be the fifth time in 11 years, their last triumph here coming in 2010.

Fred Ollows in a discussion after the first leg, summarized lessons learned as, “1. Finish Chances, 2. Fresh Legs, 3. Half Backs.” If these three are taken into consideration with all things remaining constant, we will definitely be bringing the cup back home. We created a lot of chances in Kasarani, if we do manage to create the same amount and take them all, then we will be home and dry.

In Kasarani, we only used one substitute, Mogere coming on for Mike Okombe. This made very little impact to the match. If we do use our bench, which now has Kopondo and Weru and also shake up the front row, we should be able to keep the charge going.

When I mentioned that Jerome has shown great faith in his charges, this faith is more on the half back pairing of Edwin Achayo and Isaac Adimo. After an off day in Nairobi, the two will be out to redeem themselves in Kampala. Gibson Weru, adds the experience in that department, he should probably be deployed in the crucial closing quarter of the game when we will be hopefully, holding on for a win.

If Peter Mugona decides to stick with Sseguya at 9, this will be another chance to attack the weak half backs’ channel, like we did in Nairobi. The veteran had a long one at 9, if we do effectively close down his channel we’ll be half way there. The center combination of Nick Baraza and Mike Agevi should continue to cause havoc with Dennis Muhanji who had a luke warm performance in Kasarani out to correct his mistakes. Muhanji will be tasked with keeping the pocket rocket Kimono in check, this duel currently reads 1-0 to the Ugandan.

Uganda have several injury concerns before the Saturday date, Prop Ronald Adigas, Center Michael Wokorach, Flanker Arthur Mukama and Winger Jonathan 'Bishop' Onen all picked up knocks in the first leg and are a doubt for the match.

The forwards battle was evenly matched at Kasarani, the visitors however had a better day in the scrums. The tight five of the Kangethe twins, Sammy Warui, Oliver Mangeni and Ronnie Mwenesi will be charged of taking the battle to their opponents.

The battle in the scrum will be vital - (Photo KRU)

It will be an afternoon of gruelling encounters at the Kyadondo Rugby Club, too tight to call, whoever will handle the mental pressure better will carry the day.

To those who will be travelling to Kampala, may you be in good voice, loud cheer and a merry mood as you push our charges to victory.

Finally on the sevens note, as you might already have heard. William 'Lomu' Ambaka has been short listed for the IRB Sevens player of the year. Alongside 7 others that include Dan Norton of England, Tim Mickelson and Gilles Kaka of New Zealand. From these a panel will pick the IRB player of the Year based on World Cup form and public opinion. So let us do our part here and vote http://www.facebook.com/irbsevens?fref=ts. Then let big Willie do the rest on the pitch...

With that ladies and gents…..

KWISHA….Nimeruka Nje!!!!!