Kenya Simbas head coach Paul Odera has made 12 changes to the Simbas Squad ahead of the World Cup repechage match against Portugal on Saturday in Dubai.
Eight of the players are in the starting 15 with another four on the bench. The 21-year-old Homeboyz star Amon Wamalwa will make his debut at fly-half with Geoffrey Ominde rested for this clash.
Joshua Weru, who came off the bench for a try-scoring debut in Sunday’s 14-68 loss to the USA, makes his first full start for the Simbas at number eight in place of Bethuel Anami, who has been rested for this fixture.
The duo is among eight changes to the side that started Sunday’s opener against the USA. Others are—Edward Mwaura and Teddy Akala (front row); Brian Juma (lock); Martin Owilah (back row), Brian Tanga (scrum-half), Bildad Ogeta and Timothy Omela (wingers).
Samuel Asati moves from scrum-half to full-back in one of two positional changes with Thomas Okeyo shifting from lock to blindside flank.
Romania-based Malcolm Onsando will captain the side in the absence of Daniel Sikuta, who is also rested for this fixture. Peter Kilonzo, Clinton Odhiambo, Samson Onsomu and Ian Masheti have been introduced to the Match Day squad for the first time in this tournament.
They will start from the bench alongside Eugene Sifuna, Andrew Siminyu, George Nyambua and Geoffrey Okwatch who all featured on Sunday.
The Simbas will be seeking to bounce back from their 68-14 loss to the USA Eagles last weekend. Portugal won their opening match 42-14 against Hong Kong.
