Despite defeats to Samoa and Spain in the ongoing U20 World Rugby tournament, Chipu coach Curtis Aluoch is confident of a victory in the remaining game.
Kenya U20 will face Hong Kong China in the final match of Pool B, and this comes after they were defeated by Samoa 34-25 and Spain 48-18. A win for the hosts will propel them to third place and give them a chance to qualify for the fifth-place playoffs next Sunday, but another defeat will mean Chipu will be consigned to the seventh-place playoff.
Confident Aluoch
“We keep on fighting; we keep the faith and don’t relent. Every match we play is part of our learning curve. The more the boys are exposed, the more they improve,” Aluoch said in a statement.
Changes
The former Shujaa international named his squad and made further changes to the team that played and lost to Spain. Eddy Wambugu, who missed the match on Thursday against the Europeans, returns to the matchday squad.
The other change made by Aluoch sees Alvin Mwamburi replace the injured Felix Chacha in midfield. There are two positional and tactical changes made by the coach: Faran Juma has been returned to the fullback position, while James Olala will start on the wing, meaning Raphael Wanga will make up the substitute bench.
James Tsinalo and Brian Makaya could register their maiden appearances in the Nairobi tournament after earning places in the matchday squad.
Matchday squad
15.Faran Juma, 14. Victor Odhiambo, 13. Alvin Mwamburi, 12. Mike Wamalwa (captain), 11. James Olela, 10. Eddy Wambugu, 9. Patrick Wainaina, 1. Geylord Ngasi, 2. George Otieno, 3. Mike Oduor, 4. Edmund Omondih, 5. Andy Cole Omolo, 6. Laban Kipsang, 7. Vincent Omondi, 8. Jacktone Omondi
Replacements: 16. Jeremy Odhiambo, 17. Brian Makaya, 18. Raymond Chacha, 19. Stanslous Shikoli, 20. James Tsinalo, 21. Brian Mwendwa, 22. Spencer Davies, and 23. Raphael Wanga.
