Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya Simbas will face Diables Barcelona on Thursday and not South African provincial side, Cheetahs as previously announced.
This clash, which is part of the Toyota Intercontinental Invitational Series will take place on in Bloemfontein, South Africa at 6.30pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 211.
The Simbas have been in South Africa since early November and began their tour with a clash against the Currie Cup XV in the Carling Champions match on November 6, losing 84-15 at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.
The Simbas also played in the Stellenbosch Challenge semifinal, losing 60-24 to Namibia on November 14 before bouncing back to beat Brazil 36-30 in the bronze medal match on Saturday.
Odera has asked his charges to reduce the penalty count after conceding several in the match against Brazil over the weekend.
“In defence, we tried to put pressure by jackling at the tackle but got penalised a number of times. We have to ensure that we correct that anomaly,” added Odera.
Odera added that tactical kicking accuracy will be key in their final match.
“Our territorial kicking must be better. We have struggled in that facet of play especially when under pressure so going forward, we have to look at it and get it right,” noted Odera.
Diables Barcelona recently lost to the Cheetahs franchise 99-15 and will provide a stern test for the Simbas .
Team manager Jimmi Mnene said he expects a physical contest from the Spanish outfit.
“We will do our analysis on them from their match against the Cheetahs. They are fast and big and will be a tough test but the boys are very excited about this game. Its different opposition to what we have been playing. They are a European opponent who have different rugby philosophy,” said Mnene.
Mnene added that the team have learnt valuable lessons ahead of the Rugby World Cup qualifiers slated for next year in France.
“This trip has been an eye-opener and will help at the qualifiers next year,” he said.
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