AFRICAN TEST RUGBY: World Cup Qualifying CAR Division 1A Semi-Finals in Tunisia

10.07.2011
Tunisia v Zimbabwe
Kenya v Uganda

Preview
The Africa Cup is up for grabs in this the top division of African rugby. This tournament has a big act to follow after the dramas in Division 1B in Madagascar.

There is really only a losing team in this tournament. It won’t be the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup road for the losing team. They will have a chance to win Division B and gain promotion to this division for 2015. It will be in that year that the second automatic qualifier will be found. The second team will have a chance to get into the finals via a repechage challenge.

Tunisia v Zimbabwe
04.04.1998 Zimbabwe 43-9 in Bulawayo (WCQ Africa Rnd C)
12.05.1990 Zimbabwe 24-13 in Harare (WCQ Africa)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Tunisia 4th, Zimbabwe 5th

IRB Ranking Points
Zimbabwe 52.40, Tunisia 51.34

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 3 points

Teams

Zimbabwe Squad

Forwards
Denford Mutamangira, Pieter Joubert, Jakov Jakov, Kuda Kambasha, Tinashe Bopoto, Alfred Sarai, Costa Dinha, Jan Ferreira, Fortune Chipendu, Takunda Chifokoyo, Norman Mukondiwa, Shingi Mpofu, Jacques Leitao, Prayer Chitenderu, Tatenda Karuru, Brian Makamure

Backs
Charles Jiji, Scotty Jones, Tichafara Makwanya, Lenience Tambwera, Daniel Hondo, Cleopas Makotose, Tangai Nemadire, Danny Robertson, Kuda Chiwanza, Gavin Nyawata, Raymond de Jong, Josh Rowe, Samson Makuku, Wes Mbanje

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2012-0 ... les-squad/

Tunisia Squad not available

Kenya v Uganda
28.04.2012 Kenya 12-0 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup; Elgon Cup)
21.04.2012 Uganda 19-5 in Kampala (Victoria Cup; Elgon Cup)
16.07.2011 Uganda 32-18 in Kampala (Victoria Cup; Elgon Cup)
09.07.2011 Kenya 27-10 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup; Elgon Cup)
10.07.2010 Kenya 21-5 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup; Elgon Cup)

These two teams have met a number of times over the last two years. Uganda won the Elgon Cup this year on aggregate. These two teams win their games on home soil but lose away. How they will fare on a neutral venue will be interesting.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Kenya 2nd, Uganda 3rd

IRB Ranking Points
Kenya 50.13, Uganda 48.06

Prediction: Kenya by 5 points

Teams

Uganda Squad

Forwards
Ronald Adigasi (Entebbe Sadolin Mongers), Brian Odong (UTL Kobs), Oscar Echulu (UTL Kobs), *Asuman Mugerwa (MTN Heathens), Alex Mubiru (MTN Heathens - Assistant Captain), Solomon Mawanda (G4S Pirates), Romano Ogwal (MTN Heathens), Timothy Dumba (G4S Pirates), Scott Oluoch (MTN Heathens), Steven Ogwete (UTL Kobs), Mathias Ochwo (MTN Heathens - Captain), Joel Anguyo (G4S Pirates), Andrew Olweny (Entebbe Sadolin Mongers), Marvin Odong (G4S Pirates)

Backs
Anthony Kinene (G4S Pirates), Edmond Tumusiime (UTL Kobs), Ambrose Kamanyire (UTL Kobs), Oscar Kalyango (UTL Kobs), Paul Kabazzi (G4S Pirates), Michael Wokorach (MTN Heathens), Felix Lubega (G4S Pirates), Bishop Onen (MTN Heathens), Justin Kimono (UTL Kobs), Benon Kizza (MTN Heathens)

*uncapped

Team Management
Coaches: Yayiro Kasasa, Peter Magona, Fred Mudoola and Herbert Wafula.
Team Manager: Brian Tabaruka

Kenya Squad

Joel Nganga (Rhinos/Captain), Moses Amusala (Lions), Dennis Karani (Rhinos), Curtis Lilako (Lions), Sammy Warui , Duncan Mwangi, Wilson Kopondo(Rhinos), Ronnie Mwenesi (Cheetahs), Tony Mutai (Rhinos), Duncan Ekasi (Cheetahs), Oscar Ouma (Nakuru), Charles Omondi (Sharks), Lawi Buyachi (Cheetahs), Edwin Machanje (Lions), Moses Kola (Cheetahs), Edwin Achayo , Eden Agero (Rhinos), Isaac Adimo (Sharks), Nick Barasa(Rhinos), Patrice Agunda (Quins), David Ambunya (University of Cape Town), Vincent Mose (Cheetahs), Tony Onyango (Sharks), Dennis Muhanji (Rhinos)

Coach: Michael Otieno, Assistant Coach: Charles Ngovi, Team Manager: Wangila Simiyu, Physio: Chris Makachia