South Africa followed up their 56-12 win in the first game with Kenya Rugby League National Team with a resounding 82-2 triumph at the Grizzlies Stadium in Pretoria, in the second men’s senior international encounter.
Rhinos centre Duane Bloem and fullback James Campbell each posted hat tricks for the home side, who ran in 14 tries in total. Hendrik Mulder finished with a 30-point haul after scoring a try and landing 13 goals.
SARL president, Dr Frans Erasmus, commented: “After a five-year hiatus from playing on South African turf, the Rhinos returned with an extraordinary display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
“The matches were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. The Rhinos’ victories underline the growth and development of rugby league in South Africa.
He added: “We are thrilled to have hosted the Kenyan Eagles for this historic series. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to John Mbai and his team for their sportsmanship and dedication on the field.”
Kenya were not helped by two players going off with concussion, but they trailed 36-0 at the break.
Mbai, Kenya’s head coach, said: “The second Test didn’t go according to plan but nonetheless the objective of playing against South Africa was achieved; it gave us a benchmark.
“The boys, and the federation as a whole, got much needed international exposure and in the coming weeks as we do a review of the whole the tour, we will put in place recommendations to improve our entire domestic and international programme.”
SOUTH AFRICA 82
James Campbell, Junaide Seedat, Duane Bloem, Marnus Coetzer, Shaun Matsane, Jean Coetzer, Hendrik Mulder, CP Louw, Franco Van Deventer, Altus Delport, Dylan Venter, Marcelle Vilijoen , Allan Kasselman. Interchange: Frikkie Jansen, Odey Roos, Marcelle Corneelsen, Luka Fana
Tries: M. Coetzer (6, 28), Venter (14), Bloem (22, 64, 67), Campbell (34, 51, 79), Viljoen (39), J. Coetzer (43), Seedat (48, 57), Mulder (69); Goals: Mulder 13/15
KENYA 2
Lawrence Okello, Ramadhan Masete, Brian Mutua, Collins Ochieng, Paul Seda, Dennish Ndinya Lucky Byron, Iddo Kuta, Victor Ndungu, Raymond Ekutu, James Maranga, Patrick Mwakina, Wycliffe Ratemo. Interchange: Nick Opiyo, Solo Mbugua Kevin, Kelly Omari, Steve Muniafu
Goal: Ratemo 1/1
Half time: 36-0
Referee: Rudolf du Plooy
