The second leg of the Rugby Championship’s quarterfinals take place this weekend and news coming from the national sevens camp is that coach Tolbert Onyango has released seven mainstays for club duty.
KOBs’ lan Munyani, Adrian Kasito, Pius Ogena, Pirates’ Isaac Massanganzira, Timothy Kisiga, Desire Ayera, and Heathens’s Aaron Ofoyrwoth are the seven players that have been released and are eligible for Club Duty until 1st June when they’ll be required to suit up and get back in camp, in preparation for the Olympic Repechage and Africa 7s.
Straight from the scripture, “More will be given to those who have.”
Pirates Bolstered by Backline Trio
The Pirates, who were the narrowest winners from the first leg welcome the addition of the three stalwarts who will give Coach Marvin Odongo more options in his backline on the quest to defend their title.
After narrowly losing 07-10 at home, the Rhinos welcome back, with open arms, the services of their veteran commander and top points scorer, Ivan Kirabo.
The Legends side will rely heavily on Kirabo’s stewardship and direction if they are to have any chance against the 2023 Champions.
KOBs Bolstered by Top Try Scorer
The KCB KOBs welcome the Plascon Mongers after a nail-bitter last weekend and they will be buoyed by the additions. 2021 and 2023 top try scorer, Pius Ogena, is a bona fide winner, whom the coaches will want to make use of.
The availability of Ian Munyani and Adrian Kasito means the KOBs coaches will stop tinkering with their plethora of flyhalves and where to play them.
Mongers will hope to avoid another lethargic half as was the case in the first half of the first leg; to come out firing and take the game to the KOBs.
Heathens Aim to Bury Memories
The Platinum Credit Heathens, with the addition of playmaker Aaron Ofoywroth cross the bridge to a region that almost swallowed them in the regular season.
This time, they have a 25-point cushion having won 25-00 at Kyadondo in the first round. The Walukuba Barbarians will look to draw parallels between their regular season with the Heathens and even go one better and win this game to give themselves a survivor’s chance.
Hippos Eye Historic Feat
The Jinja Hippos came from 10-00 down to win 40-21 against the Buffaloes, and now make the trip to Kyadondo Rugby Club with the aim of being the only club that has scored more than two tries this season against the latter.
The Seguya Cup is secured and locked up in Jinja but the Buffaloes know this game is one they can use to re-establish their claim as another big side.
The return of Liam “Ssekitoleko” Walker is a welcome bonus in their creative department if they hope to get a result against the Indomitable Jinja Hippos.
Rugby Championship Quarterfinals – Second Leg
Saturday, 4th May 2024 – 4pm
KCB KOBs vs Plascon Mongers – Legends
Walukuba Barbarians vs Platinum Credit Heathens – Abel Dhaira Stadium
Toyota Buffaloes vs Jinja Hippos – Kyadondo Rugby Club
Stanbic Black Pirates vs Rhinos – Kings’ Park Arena
Courtesy Photos
