- The South Africa U20 team defeated the Kenya Simbas 42-24 in Kenya’s second fixture of their international training tour in South Africa.
- The match was played on Monday, June 9, at Stellenbosch in Cape Town.
- This encounter forms part of the Simbas’ preparations for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The men’s national rugby 15s side, Kenya Simbas, suffered a tough defeat in their second fixture of their ongoing training tour in South Africa, losing 24-42 to the Junior Boks on Monday afternoon in Stellenbosch, Cape Town.
This encounter forms part of the Simbas’ preparations for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
It was their third international friendly, following a commanding 54-24 victory over UAE Rugby in Kenya and a closely contested 17-17 draw against SWD Eagles in their opening tour match in South Africa.
In Monday’s clash, the Junior Boks were first on the scoreboard, registering an early try and conversion to claim a 7-0 lead.
However, Kenya found their momentum and responded with back-to-back tries by captain George Nyambua and Walter Okoth, with Timothy Omela successfully converting one to edge ahead at 12-7.
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The Jerome Paarwater side, extended their advantage after being awarded a penalty, which Omela expertly slotted for three additional points, bringing the score to 15-7.
Shortly before halftime, Nyambua completed his brace with another try, though Omela’s conversion attempt was off target. The visitors went into the break leading 24-7.
After the interval, the Junior Boks came out with renewed energy, scoring two quick tries within the first seven minutes of the second half, both of which were converted, narrowing the deficit to just three points at 24-21.
The South African side soon overtook Kenya, powering through the Simbas’ defense to score another converted try, pushing the scoreline to 28-24.
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Their momentum continued as they added two more tries, both successfully converted, sealing a comprehensive 42-24 victory.
Following a draw and a loss, the Simbas will aim to regroup and bounce back when they face South Africa U20 again on Saturday, June 14, in Stellenbosch.
They will then take on Sanlam Boland in Wellington on Friday, June 20.
The final leg of the tour includes back-to-back clashes against Limpopo, scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 26, both to be held in Limpopo.
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Kenya Simbas squad against Junior Boks
Team 1
Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, Hibrahim Ayoo, Andycole Omolo, George Nyambua, Patrick Sabatia, Obat Kuke, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Derrick Ashihundu, Timothy Omela.
Team 2
Edward Mwaura, Griffin Musila, Melvin Thairu, Brian Juma, Emanuel Silungi, Teddy Akala, Elvis Olukusi, Collins Indeche, Samson Onsomu, Brian Wahinya, Beldad Ogeta, Samuel Ovwamu, Tyson Maina, John Okoth, Brian Tanga.
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