Kenya Simbas survive comeback to record first win in South Africa

The men’s national rugby 15s side Kenya Simbas showed incredible resilience on Saturday as they survived a comeback from the Border Bulldogs to record their first victory in the 2023 Currie Cup First Division after straight losses in their opening two fixtures in the competition.

Having had a twenty-point advantage at some point in the match when they led 27-7, the Jerome Paarwater coached side just managed to get over the line by the full-time whistle as they picked a 30-26 win over Bulldogs to snap their losing streak.

Simbas, who had beaten the same opponents 35-12 in last year’s competition, were the first to signal their intent when Timothy Mmasi drew in his defenders before passing the ball to Joel Inzuga who landed the first try of the match converted by fullback Ntabeni Dukisa for a 7-0 lead.

The Bulldogs managed to equalize with a converted try after capitalizing on a loose Simbas ball but a successfully converted penalty by Dukisa saw Kenya lead 10-7 at the interval.

Another infringement by the opponents helped the Simbas push further ahead as Dukisa slotted in a second penalty kick to take the scores to 13-7.

A second try touched down by the diminutive Samuel Asati and converted by Dukisa and a penalty try opened a twenty point advantage for Paarwater’s men as the scoreboard read 27-7.

Determined not to go down without a fight, Bulldogs responded with their second converted try off a rolling maul as they reduced the deficit to 27-14 but Dukisa’s kicking boot got Kenya to 30-14 after slotting in another penalty.

The Bulldogs turned up the heat in the closing stages of the game and scored two late tries, one converted and one unconverted but the Simbas just managed to hold on for their first victory in the 2023 competition.

Shujaa name 15 man traveling squad in do or die last two outings

Simbas Currie Cup First Division Mzansi Challenge Full Fixtures

Simbas v Boland Kavaliers | City Park, Cape Town| 1 April| 4.00pm (Not Played) *

Leopards v Simbas | Olen Park, Potchefstroom | 8 April (Not Played) *

San Clemente Rhinos 33-22 Simbas | 15 April

Eastern Province 18-7 Simbas | Adcock Stadium, Gqeberha |29 April

Simbas 30-26 Border Bulldogs | City Park, Cape Town | 6 May

Windhoek Draught Welwitschias v Simbas | Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek | 13 May

Simbas v Zimbabwe Goshawks | RFUEA Ground, Nairobi |20 May

Simbas v Valke | RFUEA Ground, Nairobi | 27 May

Simbas v SWD Eagles | RFUEA Ground, Nairobi | 3 June