Lionesses roar past Czechia to cruise to Olympics repechage final

Kenya 7s women's team; Lionesses are through to the finals of the 2024 World Rugby Repechage after narrowly defeating Czechia 12-10 in the physical match played on Sunday in Monaco.

The fierce ladies will face China in the finals as they seek to book a slot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Dennis Mwanja-coached side took a long time to settle, losing possession in the opening minutes of the game.

They would however recollect themselves, and from the scrum, Naomi Amuguni caught the Czechian defence napping and did not hesitate to race clear to score Lionesses' first try of the match.

Grace Okulu was sure with the conversion to see the Kenyans take the lead.

The play got scrappy as all teams scrambled to possess the ball, and this time Janet Okello showcased a rare combination of experience and zeal. She collected the ball and powered past their opponents to score another try. This time, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

In the dying minutes of the opening half, Czechia responded with a try through Kristyna Riegetrova's blistering pace to see the half time scores at 12-5.

The closing half was even more competitive, with Czechia denying the Lionesses all possible opportunities to score. They (Czechia) managed a try in the final minutes but failed to convert to see the Lionesses win the nerve-racking match.

Czechia will lock horns with Poland in the bronze final match.

China saw off Poland 40-7 to set up the crunch final against the Kenyans.

Lionesses see off Argentina to set up crunch semi-final against Czechia

Olympics Repechage Squad

Sheila Chajira, Naomi Amuguni, Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Christabel Lindo, Grace Okulu, Sinaida Mokaya, Sharon Auma, Janet Okello, and Judith Okumu Edith Nariaka and Freshia Oduor

Lionesses run so far

Kenya vs Papua New Guinea - Not played

Kenya 31-5 Samoa

Kenya 19-17 Argentina

Quarterfinal

Kenya 15-12 Argentina

Semifinal

Kenya 12-10 Czechia

Final

Kenya vs China