Bottom-placed Kenya Harlequins have made a total of seven changes to their 23-man squad aiming to redeem themselves from three back-to-back defeats.

Harlequins are eyeing maximum points against 10th-placed Mean Machine at the RFUEA grounds this Saturday.

The Paul Murunga coached side came close to shocking Kabras last week in Kakamega despite a full-time 27-12 score that had been ballooned by the hosts in the returning half.

Their opponent settled for a 17-17 stalemate with Catholic Monks on away grounds.

Quins tactician Murunga has made seven changes to the squad that nearly made history against Kabras.

 A bad second half ruined their prospects to prompt a couple of changes on their bench as four former Mean Machines charges will now start against their former club.

The former Mean Machine quartet will be led by the now Quins’ second-rower and captain Mike Onsando.

He is backed by loosehead prop Melvin Thairu and the back three duo of Charles Kinyanjui and speedster Dennis Nyongesa who will be part of the home squad that seeks redemption just before the festive season.

Harlequins have had the worst of the Kenya Cup tales.

They are still focused to make the cut in the top six playoffs set for March next year by recovering from the back-to-back losses to KCB, Oilers and Kabras.

 Mean Machine on their side kicked off the season with losses to last season’s Cup finalists.

They managed two penalties against Menengai Oilers but did not score points against Kabras at home.

Best shows

As the top three finishers, in the absence of a couple of new signings who could have an impact on their standings, the side nonetheless has put in some of the best shows.

 However, they had a dull topening round as several new players were unable to play due to transfer issues.

Two derbies will be lined up for the Kenya Cup rugby enthusiasts in Nairobi and Kakamega.

Varsity sides Blak Blad and Strathmore will treat fans to the varsity derby at the Kenyatta University grounds in Nairobi.

The defending champions Kabras will be away to meet Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in the Lurambi derby in Kakamega.

The other fixtures include a short trip by the former champions KCB clash with Nakuru RFC at the Nakuru Athletic Club.

Menengai Oilers travel to face wounded Homeboyz at the Jamhuri Showground while Mwamba will play Catholic Monks at the Madaraka grounds to complete the Saturday fixtures.

Meanwhile, England duo Jamie George and Elliot Daly have signed new contracts with Premiership club Saracens.

Hooker George, 32, has made 263 appearances since making his debut for the North London club in 2009, lifting five league titles and three European crowns in his 13-year spell.

Thirty-year-old utility back Daly has made 40 appearances for Sarries after joining from Wasps in 2019.

The length of both players’ contracts has not been disclosed.

“The thing that excites me most going forward is that there is so much more to come and I am very passionate about being a part of that,” said George, who has played 72 times for England and has three British and Irish Lions caps.

Daly, meanwhile, has 56 England caps and has made five appearances for the British and Irish Lions.

Additional reporting by BBC.