Uganda court Zambia seeking first home win

Phillip Wokorach can spark life into Cranes’ shift against Zambia in search of a first Victoria Cup home win. Photo Eddie Chicco

KAMPALA- The Rugby Cranes are yet to record a home win in the Victoria Cup. Home fans have so far been treated with two losses against Kenya and Zimbabwe but Zambia’s visit, which also Rugby Cranes last home game, offers a chance to achieve the first home win of the season.

The Rugby Cranes surprisingly boast a flawless record on the road having beaten Kenya 16-13 in Kisumu. After Zambia, Uganda will travel to Zimbabwe and Zambia but it’s only worthy to give the home crowd something to smile about against the latter this afternoon. Bookmakers will label Uganda favourites for a number of reasons. Zambia are ranked 65, are 23 places below Uganda who are placed at 42. Uganda also fall in Africa rugby’s top tier while their opponents are a tier below. Zambia are also yet to record a win while Uganda have one in the bag, all these narratives makes Uganda the safer bet.

Seated third and fourth respectively on the log, both Uganda and Zambia will come out to make a statement. Their playing styles have been likened, based on playing a quick running game due to lack of size. “Of all the sides we have ever played, they (Zambia) are the ones you can say play like us,” said former Cranes captain Peter Magona.

Cranes coach Robert Seguya is confident the fans will be content after 80 minutes. “Fans should show up because we are confident we can be victorious but it’s wrong to expect an easy game,” he said.

The biggest news is the return of vice-captain Justin Kimono after recovering from a knee injury. Zambia’s running game has also forced Seguya to deploy Pius Ogena as a backrow after turning up as a centre for the last two ties. Lock Robert Aziku also misses out with a broken nose. Faragi Odugo comes in for Ronald Kanyanya at hooker. The return of Brian Asaba and Ian Munyani will even give Seguya more confidence as Uganda chase that sought after home win while Zambia are out to upset the odds.

Squad
Probable Starting XV: Santos Senteza, Faraji Odugo, Asuman Mugerwa, Charles Uhuru, Simon Olet, Brian Asaba, Pius Ogena, Desire Ayera, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Ivan Magomu, Daudi Semwami, Ian Munyani, Michael Wokorach, Justin Kimono, Phillip Wokorach.
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