Just hours after being crowned the Uganda Sports Press Association (Uspa) rugby player of the year 2016, Philip Wokorach lifted the Rugby Cranes on their way to beating Tunisia 78-17 in the Africa Gold Cup round three tie last Saturday.
However, a much bigger test, Namibia, lies in wait this weekend in round four at the Legends ground. And a big game from Wokorach should be the beginning point of ensuring Uganda edges Namibia tomorrow.The full-back, who had struggled earlier on in the campaign, when his missed penalties and conversions saw Uganda lose 18-23 to Kenya in the first leg of the Elgon Cup, posted 31 points against Tunisia.
That was the total number of points Uganda recorded last year in the tier 1A tournament against Namibia, who recorded 40 points, to edge Uganda at Kyadondo grounds.
Wokorach said: “We needed a good result, which I am happy to have contributed to against Tunisia. But we must do as well against Namibia.”
Namibia remain favourites to win the Africa Gold Cup, considering their experience thus far, seen in their exploits. They top the table with 15 points from three games having won all their games with bonus points.
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Furthermore, they played at the 2015 rugby world cup, meaning that stage fright will not be an issue. Yet, the lack of experience, John Duncan, the rugby Cranes coach, said after losing to Namibia last year, was the difference between his side and Namibia.
That was compounded by poor decision-making then. But with a few new players such as Ivan Magomu, the Cranes appear to be on song again.
The 33-all draw away to Kenya and the win over Senegal has boosted the team. Also, the team’s size and physicality have been improved, which means that the Rugby Cranes should be able to go toe-to-toe with the visitors.
Yet, that will also depend on Uganda’s discipline. In the encounter against Namibia last year, the rugby Cranes had Pius Ogena sin binned for 10 minutes in the first half.
With a numerical disadvantage, it was always going to be difficult against the imposing and technically gifted Namibians. The absence of Marvin Odongo due to injury, will test Uganda’s depth.
Odongo was man-of-the-match against Namibia last year, following his performance on both ends of the field. The returning Matthias Ochwo is expected to step in. But still, Wokorach, who scored two tries against Namibia last year remains Uganda’s go-to guy.
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