Kenya's Under-20 head coach Curtis Olago has made two changes to his squad as they face Hong Kong China in their final pool match of the World Rugby Trophy at Nyayo Stadium today (12pm).
Eddy Wambugu returns at fly-half as Faran Juma slots to fullback. Alvin Mwamburi replaces the injured Felix Chacha in the midfield.
Kenya will be playing for pride after losing their opening match 34-25 to Samoa and 48-18 to a rampant Spain in the second match.
On their part, Hong Kong China lost 53-0 to Spain in their opening match before losing 30-27 to Samoa.
Olago said he expects a competitive match against Hong Kong. "They are a quality side. We saw how they pushed Samoa close in their second match. What we want to see from the boys is an 80-minute performance and hopefully get our first win of the tournament."
The KCB tactician said the boys are improving with every match despite the defeats to Samoa and Spain. “Keep on pushing the faith and keep on pushing the boys. We just keep the faith…we are walking a journey and we are keeping to a path. We have to stay patient,” the tactician said.
Olago added: “All the boys need right now is encouragement and positivity that the results will come as they are already working hard and building step-by-step,” added the tactician.
The coach observed that the key for this game will be their exit plays from their 22-something which he believes played a part in defeats to Samoa and Spain. “Our kicking game has to be good especially when leaving our half and it's something our kickers have been working on,” noted Olago.
Skipper Michael Wamalwa believes the side has to minimize errors if they harbour ambitions of beating their opponents tomorrow.
“The team is competitive but we need to reduce the number of mistakes. We must be clinical with our chances," noted Wamalwa.
In other fixtures, winless Zimbabwe take on the USA (10 am), Samoa face Spain(2 pm) and Scotland take on Uruguay at 4 pm.
Squad
15. Faran Puma, 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, 23. Raphael Wanga.
