Kenya U20 Rugby scored two tries in the last four minutes of the second half, but it wasn’t enough to stop the USA from securing a 30-17 victory at Hive Stadium, thereby reaching the World U20 Trophy final.
The USA had dominated their previous matches, defeating the Netherlands 44-33 and Uruguay 32-15. To keep their squad fresh for the final, they made several changes for the match against Kenya.
Kenya U20 losses
On the other hand, Kenya had lost all their opening matches, going down 25-7 to Uruguay and 51-3 to the Netherlands. Despite the daunting challenge, Simon Jawichre’s charges put up a resilient fight.
Kenya U20 rugby vs USA. PHOTO/World Rugby
Kenya defended well throughout the first half, though they struggled with their forward play. The USA, who had Kenya on the back foot for most of the half, managed to break the deadlock in the 16th minute.
Kenya lost the ball from an attacking line-out following a well-executed 50-22 kick by Jackson Siketa. The USA capitalized, attacking the right side, and a quick reaction formed a ruck near Kenya’s try-line, allowing Max Threlkeld to score the opening try.
The USA missed several penalty attempts before changing kickers, with Tito Edjua successfully drilling their first penalty for an 8-0 lead at the 35th minute.
A strong attacking scrum earned Kenya a penalty, which James Olela converted to trim the gap to five points heading into the break.
After halftime, the USA returned stronger, with Edjua drilling another penalty to extend their lead to 11 points. A pick-and-drive move saw Luke Schaefer score the second try, with Edjua converting for an 18-3 lead.
Keelan Farrell added an easy try, which was converted, bringing the score to 25-3. Following a patient build-up, Rand Santos crossed over for another try, leading to a 30-3 advantage.
Kenya U20 rugby (scrum-half) Patrick Wainaina passes. PHOTO/World Rugby
Kenya managed to score their second try of the tournament when James Olela received a pass off a ruck and put winger Samuel Otete through. Otete raced past his markers for a try that Olela converted, making the score 30-10.
Otete struck again, kicking the ball behind the defense and allowing Dan Bett to pounce on it for a second try. Olela converted, bringing the score to 30-17. Despite their late efforts, the USA held on for the win. Kenya U20 will now compete in the seventh-place final next week.
Kenya U20 SQUAD
1. Wicklife Ogutu
2. Bramwel Anekea
3. Darrell Oluoch
4. Eugine Etale
5. Clein Okumbi
6. Edmond Omondi
7. Andycole Omolo
8. Iddo Kuta
9. Patrick Wainaina
10. Philip Okeyo
11. Samuel Otete
12. Michael Wamalwa
13. James Olela
14. Alvin Khavoli
15. Jackson Siketa
16.Brian Shile
17. Geylord Ngasi
18. Ian Nyandusi
19. Eddy Otieno
20. Nathan Tsindoli
21. Benadict Muiruri
22. Daniel Bett
23. Eugene Ojiambo
