Fresh challenge for Silverbacks

IT will be fascinating to see how the Silverbacks regroup for Saturday’s CAR 15-aside match with Burundi’s Intambwe. The national side, which has been engaged in 7-aside and 10-aside tournaments of late has not played a competitive 15-aside match since May and could find it hard to rumble down the Burundians in the two-legged Super 16 Zone championship.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009
FRESH TEST AWAITS: Silverbacks are set to play their first competitive 15-aside match after six months. (File Photo)

IT will be fascinating to see how the Silverbacks regroup for Saturday’s CAR 15-aside match with Burundi’s Intambwe.

The national side, which has been engaged in 7-aside and 10-aside tournaments of late has not played a competitive 15-aside match since May and could find it hard to rumble down the Burundians in the two-legged Super 16 Zone championship.

"This is a different test for us and players have had to quickly adapt to the 15-aside formation,” Silverbacks interim coach Gerard Nsenga said.

Last year, Silverbacks romped to the Super 16 Zone title after a 7-5 victory over Burundi and Nsenga does not see why they can’t do it again.

"We did it last year so there is no way we can’t do it this time round.

On December, the team will travel to Bujumbura for the return leg.

The winner of the two-legged contest will go on to play the winner between Mauritius and Tanzania.

Nsenga is currently working with a provisional 25-man squad at Rugunga.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) has boosted the match with $4,000 (Rwf2.26m).

Ends