Kenya Simbas outclass Diables Barcelona in South African tour swansong

The men’s national rugby 15s team, Kenya Simbas, concluded their three week South African tour on a high as they thoroughly dispatched Spanish side Diables Barcelona 59-6 to record a second consecutive win and tie the number of losses and wins to two apiece in their overall stay down under where they played four games.

In the match held at the Toyota Stadium on Thursday evening, the Paul Odera coached side had the benefit of momentum and confidence on their side as they had managed to overcome the torrid start they had in the first two matches after beating South America side Brazil 30-36 in their last outing just before the match.

Even in the face of ten changes made to the starting 15 to hand other members of the large travelling contingent some valuable playing time, the Simbas still managed to hit the sweet spot as they hit over half a century of points to condemn Diables to yet another drubbing after their 99-15 loss to South African side Cheetahs.

There was no stopping Derrick Ashihundu in the match as the Kabras Sugar man ran in a hat trick of tries that got Kenya well on their way to that dominating victory as John Okoth also bagged a brace with Stephen Sakari, Elkeans Musonye and Vincent Onyala also crossing over the whitewash. A penalty try was also awarded to Kenya after a foul play as Kenya powerfully mauled their way to the try line.

Unable to come up with a formula past Simbas’ defence, Diables only managed to get the six points out of two successful penalties converted.

With the tour now done, the team’s next biggest assignment will be focusing on the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup which doubles up as the qualifiers for the 2023 Rugby World Cup set to be played in France. Kenya are up against Uganda Cranes in the quarterfinals with only one team out of the eight qualified guaranteed a place in the prestigious showpiece.

Kenya Simbas to play fierce neighbours Uganda in Rugby World Cup qualifier

Results

Carling Champions Team 85-17 Kenya Simbas

Namibia 60-24 Kenya Simbas

Brazil 30-36 Kenya Simbas

Diables Barcelona 6-59 Kenya Simbas