Six changes for Chipu ahead of Spain showdown
By Joel Sang, July 19, 2023Kenya U20 rugby head coach Curtis Aluoch has made six changes to Chipu squad that is set to take on Spain on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Nyayo Stadium.
This will be Kenya’s second game in the World Rugby U20 Pool B as Chipu look to pick up a win after going down 24-35 to Samoa on Saturday.
Changes
In the changes made by Aluoch, George Otieno and Mike Oduor are started in the front row, while James Olela slots in at fullback. Stanslaus Shikoli is not in the matchday squad as he is sick, according to the Kenya Rugby Union, and he has been replaced at lock by Edmund Omondi.
At openside, Vincent Omondi starts ahead of Iddo Kuta as Victor Omondi is handed responsibility on the right wing, relegating Alvin Mwamburi to the bench.
There is a positional change involving Faran Juma, who has been moved to fly half to replace Eddy Wambugu, who has been given a rest. Juma started the match against Samoa as a fullback, and on Thursday he will have a chance to prove himself in a different position against the Europeans.
Aluoch did not explain why the changes he made were necessary but emphasized what they must do against Spain to probably win their first match in the tournament.
“We have been working on sorting out our mistakes from our opening game and trying to get a rhythm in terms of attack.”
“I believe we defended fairly well in our last game but as we head into the clash against Spain, our attack system should be able to put the opponents under pressure,” the former Kenya international said.
Kenya U20 Squad
15 James Olela, 14. Victor Odhiambo, 13. Michael Wamalwa (captain), 12.Felix Chacha, 11.Raphael Wanga, 10. Faran Juma, 9. Patrick Wainaina, 1. Geylord Ngasi, 2. George Otieno, 3. Mike Oduor, 4. Edmund Omondih, 5. Andycole Omolo, 6. Laban Kipsang, 7. Vincent Omondi, and 8. Jacktone Omondi.
Replacements: 16. Jeremy Odhiambo, 17. Wickliffe Otieno, 18. Raymond Chacha, 19. Stanslas Shikoli, 20. Iddo Kuta, 21. Brian Mwendwa, 22. Spencer Davies, 23. Alvin Mwamburi