Chipu keep Barthes title hopes alive with victory over Tunisia

Chipu kept their hope of retaining the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy alive with a 56-17 win over Tunisia in their second fixture on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Harare Sports Club.

Tunisia dominated possession early on, pinning Chipu in their 22 and inevitably scoring an unconverted try in the 4th minute, taking a 5-0 lead.

Chipu’s first venture into Tunisian territory resulted in a five-meter scrum, with Iddo Kuta powering over to tie the score. James Olela’s successful conversion gave Chipu a 7-5 lead after 11 minutes of play.

Following the frenetic start, the pace of the match eased off, with Tunisia struggling to find any rhythm and committing another unforced error as Chipu advanced into their opponents’ half.

Chipu were forced into an early injury substitution, with Philip Okeyo replacing Jackson Siketi after twenty-one minutes of play, but they continued to drive forward.

Michael Wamalwa broke through three defenders to score Chipu’s second try. Olela’s successful conversion extended their lead to 14-5 with thirteen minutes remaining in the half.

Chipu continued to drive forward as Tunisia were reduced to 14 men following Wassim Ifaoui’s yellow card. Alvin Khavoli soon touched down for Chipu’s third try, with Olela missing the ensuing conversion with the scoreboard reading 19-5 after 33 minutes of play.

Khavoli soon landed his brace, latching on the bounce from Tsindoli’s chip downfield, with Olela converting to put Chipu 26-5 ahead heading into the half-time interval.

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With the second half resuming, Wamalwa received the ball at the pace, landing his brace, with Olela again missing the conversion as Chipu went 31-5 up against Tunisia.

Olela soon added a penalty to take Chipu 34-5 up before Bramwel Anekea went over from the rolling maul. With Olela adding the extras, the score was 41-5 up after 52 minutes.

Chipu were caught napping as Tunisia scored and converted after attacking rapidly from a lineout.

Brian Kiptanui soon visited the sin bin after being yellow carded for the late tackle on his Tunisian opponent. His absence mattered little as Chipu continued to boss the Tunisian forwards, with Willy Tino picking up the ball from the base of the scrum to run 10 meters clear and score under the posts, with Olela missing the conversion.

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Tunisia landed their third try after six phases of play, with Mohammed Fellahi touching down for a 46-17 score with ten minutes left to play.

Okeyo drilled home a late penalty for Chipu to go 49-17 ahead before Brian Shile stouched to take the scores into the 50s, with Okeyo converting for the 56-17 full-time score.

© KRU