Chipu squad for World U20 show in Scotland set for changes

Kenya Under-20 rugby Coach Simon Jawichre will make five changes to the squad that will head to Scotland for the World Championship in July.

The Catholic Monks’ coach said they will make minimal changes to the squad that won the Barthes Cup last month after beating the hosts Zimbabwe 28-13 to win the competition for the fourth time.

“Changes will be minimal. We are probably making five changes to the squad for the event in Scotland as the bulk of the team that did duty in Zimbabwe will be maintained,” observed Jawichre.

The tactician said they are keen to play two build-up matches before their departure to Scotland. “We want to use the two matches to correct some of the errors we made during the Barthes Cup,” he noted. 

He added: “Yes we are looking at two possible friendly matches in mid-June to improve our all-round play and performance.”

Jawichre expressed delight that some of his charges are playing in the ongoing Super Series to improve their match fitness.

“It’s very encouraging and I wish more of our players could play. We only have two more weeks of Super Series and I would want to believe the coaches of the franchise will give them game time,” said Jawichre

On completion of the Super Series, the side known as Chipu, will embark on two training camps in readiness for the World event.

“From the last week of May till late June, we will have camps to look at our tactical acumen, strategy, setpiece and bonding sessions with the players.” 

The lineout will be an area of concern for the coach considering they struggled to generate quick balls to the lively backs.

“Before we left for Zimbabwe, we had a problem with our line-out. It’s an area we need to sort out in the camps,” observed Jawichre. 

Chipu will face Netherlands, Uruguay, and a team from the Americas in Pool B for the two-week championship and the coach termed the pooling tricky for his charges “ Its a tough pool there are no easy matches but the boys are confident and as we embark on training we will give it our best

Pool A will see the hosts Scotland face Japan U20, Hong Kong China U20 and Samoa U20 in Pool A.