When Jinja Hippos hosted KOBs in the opening leg of the Uganda Rugby Premiership Playoff semifinals last Saturday, both sides were without a key player.
Without the ingenuity of Joseph Aredo, KOBs barely got over the line in a 25-22 victory at Dam Waters in Jinja. James Ijongat, who started in the number ten jersey, did not offer any creativity for the KOBs, forcing midfielder Ian Munyani to slot in at flyhalf later in the second half.
For today’s return leg at Legends Rugby Club, Timothy Mudoola has his star utility back, Aredo, in action to not only create try-scoring opportunities for the side but also get points off the tee, complemented by Josiah Sempeke, who will again have a full view of the pitch.
In other changes made by Mudoola, Trevor Tusiime slots in at inside center for Justin Kimono who limped through the second half in Jinja while Frank Kakula is in at loosehead for Blair Ayebazibwe.
Loosie Byron Oketayot, who wasn’t particularly impressive in the first leg, is relegated to the bench with Julius Opio given a run on the blindside of the back row.
Meanwhile, Hippos coach Edmond Quaresma will be pleased to have his star scrumhalf Aziz Bagalana in the team, having missed the home leg through injury. Bagalana’s control of the game and leadership will be key for the Hippos whose last visit at Legends was successful.
Bagalana and Yasin Wasswa have formed a formidable halfback partnership and if they strike a balance between forwards and backs play, the fans will be in for a very good game of rugby.
In the other change made, skipper Tony Kadhambi starts on the left wing as Brighton Bakasa waits on the bench to inject some speed in the second half alongside Eddie Lemariga.
The post Aredo, Bagalana back as KOBs host Hippos in decisive encounter appeared first on Kawowo Sports.