Kenya Lionesses will be seeking revenge when they face Madagascar next month in an international friendly match at the RFUEA ground.
The Indian Ocean Islanders stunned Dennis Mwanja's charges 29-22 during the Africa Cup in May in a controversial match in Antananarivo.
The win saw the hosts qualify for the WXV3 competition in Dubai at the expense of Kenya, who had played in the tournament last year.
The Lionesses blew hot and cold during the championship, losing 63-5 to South Africa before beating Cameroon 39-17 to finish third in the competition.
Head coach Dennis Mwanja said they started training last week to familiarise themselves with patterns and systems they are going to use and called on the charges to bounce back and win the match.
“We evenly matched them last time although some calls did not go our way. However, I believe the girls will be ready for the clash,” added Mwanja.
A win for the Lionesses will see them improve their ranking and prepare them for the Africa Cup next year.
"It's a vital match that will help us identify some of the new talent coming through and also help our ranking. It will also give us direction for next year,” noted Mwanja.
He said a good chunk of players, who played in Madagascar like Jane Chanya, Sheila Wesa, Mitchelle Atieno, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khaleyi, Carol Nyamwamu and Hellen Anyango will feature.
Mwanja said with several girls having played for their clubs in the national sevens circuit, the transition to 15's rugby will not be difficult.
“In terms of fitness, the girls are in good shape. We have to work on a few technical aspects of our game from our tactical kicking, attack, defence and the setpiece."
The former Kenya Sevens international described the Malagasy outfit as fleet-footed and said the match would be won up front.
" The 15s rugby is all bout winning the battle upfront and territory, playing in the right areas and converting chances which come your way,” he revealed.
Mwanja called on the Kenya Rugby Union to avail more fixtures for the girls, especially in the November test window.
"If we can get more fixtures for the team at the end of the year, it will help us greatly for next year."
