Kenya Simbas commence Currie Cup campaign with loss to San Clemente Rhinos

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RUGBY Kenya Simbas commence Currie Cup campaign with loss to San Clemente Rhinos

Mark Kinyanjui 18:30 - 15.04.2023

Simbas had missed their two opening games and were in danger of being expelled from the competition.

A spirited early second-half performance by Kenya Simbas was not enough to get them over the line in their opening encounter of the Currie Cup First Division clash against the San Clemente Rhinos in South Africa, losing 33-22 to the American-based outfit.

Rhinos opened the scoring by registering the first try to give the Americans the lead but they were unable to convert the try. Moments later, an infringement by the Rhinos gave Simbas the chance to reduce the deficit which Andrew Matoka converted.

Rhinos would however, extend their lead after exploiting a gap in Simba’s defence to land them their second try, with the resulting conversion better to give them a 12-3 lead.

Towards the end of the first half, Rhinos would get their third try of the day which was well converted, leaving Simbas coach Jerome Paarwater with plenty to ponder heading into the break.

Simbas started well after the break. Ntabeni Ndukisa dummied the opposition before cutting through the defence and scoring a try, which was well converted by Matoka.

Rhinos then mauled their way to the try line for a converted try off a lineout, increasing their lead to 26 points.

Simbas did not give up easily, as they continued to attempt to force a deficit reduction. Brian Wahinya sliced through the Rhinos defense to give the Kenyans a second converted try of the match.

Outside center Walter Okoth would then bounce off his defender and land Simbas their third try, but the conversion was not successful.

Simbas would then lose concentration in the latter stages of the match, as Rhinos were able to break away at pace upon taking advantage to score their winning try, which was successfully converted, giving the Rhinos a 33-22 win.

Simbas coach, Jerome Paarwater has challenged the Simbas to use this Currie Cup as a learning experience as they build towards qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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