Simbas scrumhalf Barry Young in action against Senegal during the Africa Cup in Kampala, Uganda, last year/FILE
Kenya Simbas face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an international friendly match at the RFUEA ground as preparations for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers intensify.
The Simbas have been in camp in Kakamega for a fortnight and will fancy their chances against the Asian outfit, who jetted into the country on Friday morning.
The two sides last met at the 2011 Emirates Four Nations Cup in Dubai, when the Simbas won 55-17. During the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, when the United Arab Emirates played under the Arabian Gulf, Kenya dominated, winning 24-23 and 37-18, respectively.
Simbas are positioned 33rd in the World Rugby rankings, with the UAE placed 51st. Simbas' head coach Jerome Paarwater expects a competitive clash from the Asian outfit, who have some naturalised players from Fiji and Europe.
"They will offer a formidable challenge. Every test game will be hard-fought. We will treat them seriously. We are well prepared for them," observed Paarwter.
The South African said the test match will test what they have been experimenting with in training.
"This match will be an eye-opener on our tactical plan, strategy, and execution in various facets of play. It gives a foundation before we go to South Africa for six weeks,” added Paarwater.
He plans to give minutes to all his 50 men.
“Every player will get a chance. We are working with the technical bench about how each will be involved during the game,” added Paarwater.
Skipper George Nyambua, Eugene Sifuna, Ibrahim Ayoo, Ephraim Oduor, Wilhite Mususi and Jeanson Misoga will be the Simbas' forward pack players.
Barry Young and Brian Wahinya start as the half-back pairing with Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Paul Mutsami and Timothy Omela, the outside backs.
After the match, the team will be whittled down to 33, who will regroup on Monday for a pre-departure camp before flying out to South Africa on Wednesday.
