Kenya squad named for Brazil

Kenya has revealed their match-day 23 for their game against Brazil on Friday. Dubbed the ‘Hemispheres Cup,’ the match gives Brazil a chance to build on their historic victory over the Eagles in the Americas Rugby Championship and Kenya an opportunity to build their team ahead of the Africa Cup in July. Starting rosters for the match have not yet been named.

Included are a number of players familiar to followers of the HSBC Sevens Series. Loose forwards Brian Nyikuli, Tonny Owuor, and Daniel Sikuta have all featured for Kenya on the circuit, so too lock forward Oliver Mang’eni. Dennis Muhanji and Tony Onyango are the most notable of the backs, while flyhalf Nato Simiyu is the brother of former Kenyan skipper Innocent Simiyu.

The Simbas are currently ranked 27th on the official World Rugby Rankings, marginally behind Ukraine and ahead of Chile. Brazil are just ahead of the Netherlands in 35th spot. The two teams have met on one previous occasion, with Kenya coming out on top 27-25 some five years ago in Dubai.

Kickoff is set for 5pm Brazil time at Estádio Zerão in Macapá and will be broadcast live on SporTV.

FORWARDS
Moses Amusala (KCB), Curtis Lilako (KCB), Joseph Kang’ethe (Nairobi Harlequins), James Kang’ethe (Nairobi Harlequins), Sammy Warui (Nakuru), Peter Karia (KCB), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Simon Muniafu (Impala Saracens), Eric Kerre (Impala Saracens), Brian Nyikuli (Strathmore Leos), Tonny Owuor (Strathmore Leos), Daniel Sikuta (Mwamba), Mike Okombe (Nakuru)

BACKS
Edwin Achayo (Kabras Sugar), Samson Onsomu (Impala Saracens), Nato Simiyu (Impala Saracens), Isaac Adimo (Nairobi Harlequins), Nick Barasa (Kabras Sugar), David Ambunya (Nairobi Harlequins), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Dennis Muhanji (Nairobi Harlequins), Vincent Mose (Impala Saracens), Tony Onyango (Strathmore Leos).