Kenya U20 rugby team (Chipu) put up a spirited fight but it was not enough as they lost 25-7 to Uruguay in the World U20 Trophy opener played in Scotland on Tuesday.
Uruguay entered the match with a perfect record against African sides in six meetings and took the lead when Pedro Hoblog landed the opening try.
Kenya U20 concede
He picked the ball from a ruck just before the tryline and dived over for the score. Uruguay’s Icaro Amarillo missed the conversion but added a penalty three minutes later for an 8-0 lead.
Action between Kenya U20 and Namibia. PHOTO/Grindstone
Chipu then launched a series of impressive attacks for nearly 10 minutes but could not secure a try due to several handling errors.
Towards the end of the first half, Uruguay got a scrum, and center Alfonso Perillo had a big carry, managing to stretch and touch down for a try in the 38th minute. Amarillo converted for a 15-0 lead at the break.
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The second half saw Kenya lose Philip Okeyo to a yellow card, but Uruguay failed to capitalize on the advantage, knocking on in the 52nd minute.
Four minutes after being reduced to 14 men, Kenya had a strong surge, and Michael Wamalwa managed to slip past his markers and score a try that James Olela converted, bringing the score to 15-7.
Kenya U20 line up in a World Rugby U20 Trophy. PHOTO/KRU
Uruguay came back stronger and scored through replacement prop Santiago Cagnone in the 66th minute, extending their lead to 20-7.
The pack was at it again, delivering another try that saw Francisco Garcia cross over for a final score of 25-7.
KENYA U20 SQUAD
1. Darrell Oluoch
2. Bramwel Anekea
3. Wycliffe Ogutu
4. Eugine Etale
5. Clein Okumbi
6. Edmond Omondi
7. Andycole Omolo
8. Iddo Kuta
9. Patrick Wainaina
10. Jackson Siketa
11. Brian Kiptanui
12. Philip Okeyo
13. Michael Wamalwa
14. Kipchirchir Bett
15. James Olela
16. Brian Shile
17. Geylord Ngasi
18. Ian Nyandusi
19. Nathan Tsindoli
20. Eddy Otieno
21. Willy Tino
22. Benadict Muiruri
23. Faran Juma
WORLD U20 TROPHY POOLS
Pool A:
- Scotland (Host)
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Samoa
Pool B:
- Netherland
- USA
- Uruguay
- Kenya
KENYA U20 FIXTURES:
Kenya 7-25 Uruguay
Date: Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Time: 4:30 p.m. E.A.T.
Kenya vs. Netherlands
Date: Sunday, July 7, 2024
Time: 9:45 p.m. E.A.T.
Kenya vs. USA
Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
Time: 4:30 p.m.
