T. NashipaeJunior World Rugby: Spirited Chipu fall to Samoa in opener
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 15.07.23. | 20:10
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Kenya U20 National Team, Chipu kicked off the Junior World Rugby Trophy with a 34-25 loss to Samoa in the World Rugby U20 Trophy match played at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday 15 July, 2023.
Prior to this match, Samoa had registered an impressive track record in the competition, having claimed victory twice in 2011 and 2016, and tasting a loss once.
Fair try boys! Team #Chipu trails Samoa 25-34 in their first match. Hon. @AbabuNamwamba continues to patriotically and passionately lead the cheering squad irregardless. Come one, come all. #WorldRugbyU20s #TalantaHela #RugbyNaSherehe #AbabuNaKazi pic.twitter.com/pQFA9THD6p
— Ministry Of Youth Affairs, The Arts & Sports (@moyasa_ke) July 15, 2023
The Kenyans on the other hand were coming from a 28-7 defeat over Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Cup played at the same grounds on 30 April, 2023. They were looking to better their performance.
Despite the full time score, Curtis Olago's charges showcased a tenacious defence and put up a good fight in the match.
It was Stanislaus Shikoli who opened the scores for Chipu following a set up by Faran Juma.
Samoa quickly responded with a clever low kick from Afa Molela to level the scores at 5-5 after a missed conversion.
The visitors would then gain a penalty to take an early 8-5 lead. Following that, Samoa winger Stanley was sent to the naughty chair but Chipu failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
Samoa then added another five pointer through William Hunt to see them lead 13-5.
In the dying half, Wambugu converted a penalty for a 13-8 scoreline. Samoa however extended the lead when their captain John Mata Samuelu landed another try.
Kenya would later lose Wambugu following a yellow card and Samuelu grabbed another try for a 27-8 lead.
Despite that, the Kenyans soldiered on, and their efforts paid off through substitute Wycliffe Otieno. The conversion was successful to see the scores climb to 27-13.
In the 77th minute, Chipu landed a try off a maul but David Spenser failed to convert. Kenya capitalized on a late mistake by Samoa and scored through Raphael Wanga to send the stands into cheers.
Meanwhile, Scotland defeated U20 Barthes Cup defending Champions Zimbabwe 64-33 in the opening match of the day.
The teams are expected back in action on Thursday.
