Kenya Simbas face a tricky test when they meet Uganda in the second leg of the Elgon Cup at the Kings Park Arena in Kampala.
The visitors carry a two-point lead to the showdown after winning the first leg 27-25 at the RFUEA ground last weekend.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater said his charges will have to reduce penalty concession if they harbour any chances of retaining the trophy.
“It’s something I have told the players that they must look into. You can’t win a 15s game when you give away 16 penalties. It becomes difficult to have continuity in attack as well from a defensive standpoint,” he said.
The South African tactician said he was impressed by the performance of the forward pack, which laid a solid platform for the team to score four tries.
“Our setpiece, both the scrum and line-out, worked well. We were able to get ascendancy. However, we need to be clinical in attack when the opportunities arise,” he added.
Oilers winger Beldad Ogeta will start on the wing — replacing Walter Okoth — with Fijian-born Jone Kubu starting at flyhalf in place of Barry Young.
Teddy Akala will provide cover as hooker off the bench.
Paarwater believes the minor changes will bolster the team as they seek to impress with both sides expected to clash again in June 2025 in a Rugby World Cup qualifier.
“It’s a key match. Whoever wins get the edge ahead of the qualifier,” observed Paarwater.
Skipper George Nyambua said they have had a productive week in training and are keen to finish the year on a high.
“It’s been an up and down year in regard to performances. This is an opportunity to put a strong performance and get the result,” said Nyambua.
The 25-man squad arrived in Kampala on Wednesday, conducted two training sessions and had the Captain’s run on Friday.
Last year, Kenya lost the first leg 21-20 before bouncing back in the second — 20-13.
