Kenya Simbas’ hopes of qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup ended following a heavy 85-0 defeat to Portugal in a Final Qualification Tournament fixture played at the Sevens Stadium on Saturday.
Paul Odera charges conceded 12 tries to mark their heaviest defeat since an 85-17 loss to Currie Cup Champions Team in a match played in November 2021.
The Simbas had last faced Portugal in May 2015, winning 41-15 at RFUEA Grounds and were hoping to revive World Cup hopes. Their dreams of repeating the 2015 feat were however dashed as early into the match as they struggled to match their opponents.
Thibault de Freitas first minute try and Mike Tadjer’s seventh-minute try saw the Portuguese lead 14-0. Manuel Cardoso Pinto (16′), José Lima (22′) and Vincent Pinto (32′) raced on for three more tries while Samuel Marques’ accuracy from the boot saw him convert for a 35-0 lead at halftime.
Kenya lost Brian Juma to a red after the second yellow card and Portugal capitalized on the advantage to widen the gap. Tadjer bagged his second try of the match which was converted for a 42-0 lead.
Pinto also got his second try of the day two minutes later before Tomás Appleton joined the scoresheet with another try. Jose Rebelo Andrade also got his name on the scoresheet after 53 minutes of play to push the scoreline 66-0.
A penalty try and João Belo’s try saw the Portuguese move 78-0. Lionel Campergue scored the final try as Portugal moved top of the standings with 10 points
The Simbas final match will be against Hong Kong on Friday.
Simbas v Portugal
15.Samuel Asati, 14. Timothy Omela, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. John Okoth, 11. Beldad Ogeta, 10. Amon Wamalwa (debut), 9. Brian Tanga, 1. Edward Mwaura, 2. Teddy Akala, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Malcolm Onsando (captain), 5. Brian Juma, 6. Thomas Okeyo, 7. Martin Owilah, 8. Joshua Weru
REPLACEMENTS 16. Eugene Sifuna, 17. Andrew Siminyu, 18. Ian Masheti, 19. Clinton Odhiambo (debut), 20. George Nyambua, 21. Samson Onsomu, 22. Peter Kilonzo, 23. Geoffrey Okwatch
Portugal's squad pic.twitter.com/1GT5nmUXOk
— Scrummage Africa (@ScrummageKe) November 12, 2022
