Chipu hit Zimbabwe to qualify for World Rugby U20 Trophy

Kenya U20 national team Chipu are the winners of the 2024 Barthes Trophy after dethroning defending champions Zimbabwe 28-13 in a nerve-racking final played at the Machinery Exchange Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Sunday.

This triumph not only secured their title but also earned them a coveted spot in the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland, marking their third appearance in the global event since 2019.

Their journey to the championship began with a strong start, securing a 36-28 victory over Namibia and following it with a resounding 56-17 win against Tunisia in their second pool match.

While Chipu and Zimbabwe had crossed paths before, with Zimbabwe emerging victorious in previous encounters and bagging the 2023 Barthes Cup edition with a 28-7 victory at Nyayo National Stadium, Chipu entered this tournament with determination despite facing prior defeats and limited preparation time.

It was the hosts, Zimbabwe, who opened the scoring through a lineout and maul. They missed the conversation to take a slim 5-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.

The Junior Sables added another unconverted try to secure the lead 17 minutes into the game. This time, it was Edward Sigauke who scored the try.

Kenya settled fast into the game, dominating it until the end of the opening half. They opened their scores with a try through Iddo Kuta. James Please added the extras to bring the scores to 10-7.

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Even with a yellow card for Bramwell Anekea, Chipu maintained their focus and continued to assert their superiority. Despite missed conversions, Chipu's lead was undeniable as they entered halftime with a 17-10 advantage.

The Kenyans came on fire in the second half, with Olela converting a penalty to bring the score to 20-10.

Eyes on title as Chipu face Zimbabwe in Barthes Cup decider

Olela would then fail to drill in two penalties, but still, the hosts struggled to go past the determined Kenyans.

An infringement saw the Junior Sables reduced to 14 men after Sigauke was sent to the naughty chair.

Chipu failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage to see their opponents score, thanks to Benoni Nhekairo. Scores 20-13.

The Kenyans, however, fought on to confirm their victory with a try by the mountainous Andycolle Omollo.

Philip Okeyo sealed the victory for the Kenyans with a penalty kick to see the full-time scores at 28-13.