Ayumba Ayodi
13 May 2011
Nairobi — The Bamburi Rugby Super Series preliminary round is headed for a pulsating and explosive end today in Nairobi and Kampala.
What is interesting is despite winning two matches, Pool A leaders and defending champions Rhinos are not guaranteed a place in the semi-finals as they host second-placed Lions at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru.
The other side that is in strong contention for the two semi-final spots is third-placed Nguvu Sharks, who hope to prey on Coast Bulls at the Mombasa Sports Club. Coast Bulls are already out of the race, but could spoil the party for Sharks.
Consequently, with Pool B leaders Cheetahs having cemented their place in the semis last weekend, Ugandans franchises Victoria and Rwenzori have been left to battle for the remaining place.
The Ugandan sides, whch boast of a victory each, go for each other’s jugular at the Kampala RFC venue while Cheetahs eye to finish on a high when they host the Mumias Sugar Buffaloes at Nairobi’s RFUEA grounds.
Rhinos beat Coast Bulls
Rhinos, winners of the 2003, 2007 and 2009 diadems, crushed Coast Bulls 30-3 and their bonus point victory bolstered their top position to 10 points.
Sharks complicated things for Rhinos and Lions, who they stunned 32-25. Lions, who had beaten Bulls 36-8 previously, still collected two bonus points from the loss for scoring four tries and losing by less than seven points. It put them second with sevens points while Sharks remained third on five.
Victory for 2008 champions Lions against Rhinos should put them in the semi-finals regardless of the outcome from Sharks versus Bulls encounter.
The results from Sharks and Bulls tie hold the key to Rhinos’ hopes. Victory for the champions should see them through but a loss will complicate the equation. This is if Sharks will post a bonus win to have the semi-finalist being determined on calculations as both teams will tie on 10 points apiece.
Sharks have no otherwise but go on scoring spree at Coast since they are on minus 12 goal difference, while Rhinos enjoy a 46-goal difference. Sharks must beat Bulls and hope that Lions crush to Rhinos.
At worst, Rhinos will be hoping for close results against Lions in keeping the margin slim and more tries for bonus points.
Bulls will require great character and confidence to get past Sharks.
Cheetahs’ crucial 18-14 victory over Victoria in Kampala followed their 49-0 emphatic win over another Ugandan franchise, Rwenzori last weekend.
Paul Murunga’s Cheetahs intentions are to dilute Mumias Sugar Buffaloes and wrap up the preliminaries unscathed.
The Buffaloes have had their moments in the tournament, restricting Victoria to a 16-5 result in Kampala before losing to Rwenzori 17-28.
Like the Bulls in Pool A, the Buffaloes would want to end their campaign on a high. Rwenzori romped back to contention, thanks to their 28-17 victory over Buffaloes. Success for either side should see them in the semis but Victoria are strong favourites.
AllAfrica – All the Time
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