Knight Otwoma will skipper the Kenya Lionesses in their opening match against Spain in the WXV 3 tournament that kicks off on Saturday in Dubai.
Otwoma takes up the number eight position for this game, a departure from her usual role as a hooker in the front row.
She forms a formidable back row alongside Diana Kemunto and Michelle Akinyi, while Naomi Jelagat and Faith Livoi form a strong second row partnership.
The Lionesses front row is composed of Rose Otieno, Stacy Atieno, and vice-captain Natasha Emali.
Lewin Amazimbi makes her test debut on the wing, lining up alongside Priscah Nyerere, while Freshia Awino takes on the fullback position.
Diana Omosso assumes the role of starting scrumhalf, forming a crucial partnership with fly-half Anne Goretti.
In the midfield, Laureen Akoth and rookie Charity Juma combine their talents.
Speaking on Friday, assistant coach Paul Murunga said the setpiece will be vital for the girls against a quality Spain team.
“15s rugby is all about the setpiece — the scrum and lineout. If we can get parity upfront and at the same time win the collisions, it will give us a good chance of winning the match,” said Murunga.
Kenya prepared for the tournament by playing two build-up matches in Cape Town, South Africa where they lost 77-12 to South Africa and 22-17 to San Clemente Rhinos last month.
Murunga, a former Shujaa and Kenya under 20 coach, said they had learnt lessons from the two matches.
“It was an eye-opener. The girls' conditioning levels were good but our attack and defence patterns have to improve especially going by the quality of opposition we are meeting, who are equal if not better than South Africa," sai Murunga.
Otwoma said the girls relish the challenge ahead and love the role of underdog.
"We are an unknown quantity. Many teams may not know us so it will work in our favour,” said Otwoma.
Spain are ranked 13th in the world and will be relying on their muscle upfront to subdue the Lionesses.
Murunga's charges arrived in Dubai a week ago and have had time to acclimatise to the hot conditions expected for the two-week tournament.
After Spain, the Lionesses will play Kazakhstan next Saturday before concluding the tournament against Colombia on October 28.
