The curtains come down on the Super Series tournament on Saturday with a mouth-watering clash between the Cheetahs and Lions at the RFUEA ground.
This will be a “battle of the cats” and the second meeting between the two sides, who met in Nakuru a fortnight ago. The Cheetahs won it 18-16.
Lawrence Buyachi's Cheetahs finished second in the preliminaries with nine points after two wins and a loss.
The former back-row forward expects a tough test.
"This being a final, everyone will bring their 'A' game. We lost our last pool match against the Rhinos last week but had a good week in training while analysing what went wrong. We are relishing the battle,” said Buyachi.
"Tactically, the match will be won by whoever dominates the battle of the forwards up front. It's an area I believe we have worked on in training this week."
The Nakuru-based franchise have brought back their big guns following last weekend's 27-23 loss to the Rhinos.
Francis Atiti, Emmanuel Mboya and Desterious Ifedha start in the front row.
Tyson Okoth and Clinton Juma are the lock pairing as co-captain Amos Obae, Felix Odhiambo and Elkeans Musonye start in the back row.
In the backs, the evergreen Samson Onsomu starts alongside Abutwalib Wesonga in the half-backs with Tyson Maina and Philip Okeyo in midfield, supported by a back three of the burly Beldad Ogeta, Dennis Abukuse and Quinto Ongo.
The Lions' tactician, Oliver Mang'eni, is buoyed by their performance in their 20-5 win over the Buffaloes, which saw them finish top of their pool with nine points and a better points difference than the Cheetahs.
The former KCB and Simbas lock expects a competitive contest.
“It will be a tough game. Hopefully, the weather will be conducive for running rugby as we target to get a win," said Mang'eni.
Key players for the Lions are Nicholas Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Emmanuel Silungi, Kenya under 20 vice-captain Andy Cole Omollo and co-captain Obat Kuke.
Levi Amunga, Mike Wamalwa and Bob Muhati will be the key actors at the backline.
The bronze medal match will pit Buffaloes and Rhinos at 2 pm.
