Wokorach enjoying life in the back row

The former Uganda Sevens captain has easily moved from his familiar number 13 and embraced an eighth man role.

He recorded a hattrick last Saturday, as the defending champions defeated Rhinos 37-25 for their fourth straight win of the campaign.

“Any time I’m called upon to play center, I will definitely go back and play,” Wokorach explains when asked about the transition and whether it had become permanent.

Number eights interact with the scrum-half at the back of the scrum to control and provide clean ball for the backs. They can also pick the ball from the back of the scrum and run with it or pass it to the scrum-half. At line-outs, they can be either another jumper or a lifter.

On the other hand, outside centers are normally faster and the team’s scoring machines when all is planned well and good passing is available.

One of the team

Two of Wokorach’s tries against Rhinos saw him pick the ball from the base of the scrum to bully his way through the defence and touch down.

There is a lot more power needed in the new role, something the former Rugby Cranes star is willing to put in to ensure his team wins.

“In the pack, you need to use a lot of energy and the space is really small and you have to go hard,” Wokorach says.

“The transition is good but it’s just a lot of work, I have to work on my fitness and strength. I'm enjoying my game. I'm enjoying putting Heathens on the forefoot, I'm doing the best I can.”

By playing in the number eight, Wokorach had eyes on giving enough time to Innocent Gwokto to thrive as the team’s outside center.

“I just want to try and nurture a number 13 for Heathens for the next couple of years and if you see Gwokto, he’s trying to get into my footsteps and is doing very well.

“Right now he’s the number one starter for Uganda so it’s good for him to play there.”

Indeed, Gwokto has been Uganda’s number 13 in the last two years, with players like Ian Munyani focusing more on the Sevens national team.

Good to transition

Wokorach has not shown any signs of slowing down yet and could easily fit in the Heathens midfield, but taking on a new position means that he has to use a lot more energy and operate in smaller spaces. 

“It’s also good for me to try and transition to a different number where I need to use more of my energy and I think going to number eight is good for me.

“It’s helping me control the pack and use my energy going forward. If you realize, playing in the center and in the pack are two different things.”

In the pack, Wokorach plays alongside Heathens’ most experienced campaigner in the shape of Scot Oluoch, and the two will face their toughest opposition when Heathens take a trip to Kings Park Arena to face the Stanbic Black Pirates.

The Pirates back row features much younger players like Desire Ayera, Eliphaz Emong, Moses Zziwa and Alex Aturinda.

Wokorach has severally hinted at retirement from the sport and that has already crossed his mind four games into the new season.

“It could be my last season or not but one thing I can say is that I thank God for keeping me healthy.

“I’m not injured in any way and I'm trying to help these young boys go forward. Most of them are young boys who are transitioning into Heathens and I'm trying to lead as an example.”

Heathens and Pirates are tied on 19 points after four games, but the defending champions edge Marvin Odongo’s charges on points’ difference.

Saturday’s gigantic clash at Kings Park will present each side with the perfect opportunity to go top of the log.

Nile Special Rugby Premiership

Saturday

Pirates vs. Heathens, 4pm –Kings Park 

Wolves vs. Hippos, 4pm –Mbale

Victoria vs. Kobs, 2pm –Kyadondo

Warriors vs. Rhinos, 4pm –Legends

Buffaloes vs. Eagles, 4pm –Kyadondo

Walukuba vs. Mongers, 4pm Dam Waters