After suffering a thumping defeat in the opener against the Boks of South Africa, 11 changes have been made to the Lioness Squad in a bid to adjust and improve on the previous performance.
Five of these changes are in the forwards where Juliet Nyambura, Evelyne Kalemera, Bernadette Olesia and Leah Wambui who all came in from the bench on Thursday making the starting fifteen while Sheila Chajira who was uninvolved, starts at blindside. Linet Moraa is the only back who is retained as head coach Mitch Ocholla hands starts to Olympian Judith Auma who came in from the bench last Thursday as well as her fellow Olympians Grace Adhiambo Okulu, Christabel Lindo, Philadelphia Olando, Camilla Cynthia Atieno and Janet Okello who make their first appearances of the tour. Joy Kendagor, Prisca Nyerere, Sophia Ayieta, Sinaida Nyachio,Anne Njeri and Mercy Migongo are all rested for today’s fixture.
Commenting on the changes, Ocholla said, “It will be exciting to see the sevens players coming in on the 16th, they’re a bit more experienced and understand the test matches environment much better.” The Lioness will be looking to redeem themselves today at 4 p.m when they face the Boks for a second time. The last game ended in a staggering 66-0 defeat. On the bright side, the ladies are using this test series as a build to their Rugby World Cup Repechage qualification match against Colombia set for 25 August at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
Lionesses v South Africa:
15.Janet Okello, 14, Linet Moraa, 13.Cynthia Camila Atieno, 12. Philadelphia Olando, 11. Christabel Lindo, 10.Grace Adhiambo Okulu, 9. Judith Auma, 1. Juliet Nyambura (captain), 2. Staycy Atieno, 3. Evelyne Kalemera, 4. Bernadette Olesia, 5. Peruce Muyuka, 6. Mitchelle Akinyi, 7. Sheila Chajira, 8. Leah Wambui
Replacements :
16. Rose Otieno, 17. Knight Otwoma, 18.Diana Kemunto, 19 .Naomi Amuguni, 20. Laureen Akoth, 21. Faith Marindany, 22. Anne Goretty, 23. Winnie Owino