The Rhinos had to leave it late to overpower a spirited Cheetahs side 27-23 to win their first match of Rugby Super Series staged in Kakamega.
The Rhinos’ coming into this game from two defeats were keen to impress as they started off strongly, feeding off mistakes from a weakened Cheetahs side.
First, it was Ryan Odua who pounced on an overthrown lineout from Cheetahs to dive over for Rhinos first try before Victor Odhiambo crossed over in the corner for Rhinos’ second. Conversion attempts by Stephen Osumba were unsuccessful as Rhinos led 10-0 with only 10 minutes into the game.
Cheetahs started to find their footing with Abdalla Abtwalib slotting in a penalty goal to narrow the deficit to 10-3. Amos Obae would then hand Cheetahs’ their first try when he powered over. Abtwalib Abdalla added the extras to tie the scores at 10-10.
Moments later, Victor Odhiambo got his brace thanks to a slick ball handling by Charles Odhiambo, the Rhinos’ outside center, to set him up for the try. Stephen Osumba converted Odhiambo’s try to give Rhinos a 17-10 lead.
And just before halftime, Stephen Osumba extended Rhinos’ lead after he slotted in a penalty goal to give Rhinos a 10-point buffer going to the shade.
In the second half, the Cheetahs came back a much rejuvenated side as coach Lawrence Buyachi made a couple of changes to his starting 15, bringing in his seasoned players. Cheetahs would score the first try of the second half to cut the deficit to 20-15. Minutes later, Emmanuel Mboya levelled the scores after he made a break and ran more than 30m to score in the corner.
Abtwalib Abdalla would miss the conversion from Emmanuel Mboya’s try but he amended his mistake minutes later when he split the uprights with a penalty goal to give Cheetahs a 23-20 lead.
With few minutes left on the clock, Paul Mutsami landed a try for the Rhinos’ to hand them their first rugby super series win.
