•The Simbas had two alignment training camps in June and Paarwater noted the match will be won upfront.
•Speaking after the captain's run in the morning Paarwater said he has selected his strongest team for the encounter
Image: FILE
Kenya Simbas face a tricky test against Senegal in their opening match of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala on Saturday.
This will be the second clash between the two teams in three years with the West Africans upsetting the formbook in 2021 during the Rugby World Cup pre-qualifiers with a gritty 20-19 win at Nyayo Stadium.
The match has key implications in the seeding for next year's Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
Jerome Paarwater's charges will not underestimate Senegal. The majority of their players ply their trade in France.
Paarwater, speaking after the Captain's Run on Friday morning, said he will field his strongest team.
"I am happy with the team we have selected for Saturday. We have selected the strongest possible team in the setup, understanding that this won’t be an easy match. I'm confident we can get points from this game,” said Paarwater, whose side had two training camps in June.
"It's not lost on us that they beat us in 2021. They have a strong setpiece, good ball carriers and dynamism in the forward pack. However, we also have our strengths."
He believes the match will be won up front.
“It will be a physical game. If we can get front foot balls from our forwards and win the gain line battle, we will carry the day,” said Paarwater.
Vice-captain Eugene Sifuna will anchor the front row alongside Kabras teammates Ephraim Oduor and Hillary Mwanjilwa.
Menengai Oilers' Ibrahim Ayoo and Hillary Odhimabo are the second row pairing.
Skipper George Nyambua partners Jeanson Misoga and Thomas Okeyo in back row.
In the backs, veteran Samson Onsomu, who had a solid campaign in the Super Series starts at scrumhalf and will partner Barry Robinson, who gets the nod at flyhalf.
Walter Okoth and Bryceson Adaka start in midfield with Beldad Ogeta, Derrick Ashiundu and Timothy Omela in the back three.
Paarwater has opted to go for a 6-2 split on the bench with Romania-based Malcolm Onsando, Wilhite Mususi, Griffin Musila, Elkeans Musonye, Obat Kuke and Edward Mwaura as the forwards with Abutwalib Wesonga and Richel Wangila as the backs.
The match kicks off at noon, East African time. Champions Namibia face Burkina Faso at 10 am and Algeria face Cote D'Ivoire at 2 pm.
Hosts Uganda have a mouthwatering clash against Zimbabwe at 4 pm. The semifinals are slated for Wednesday and the final is on July 28.