World Rugby U-20 Trophy: USA pile more woes on Kenya's Chipu despite spirited fight

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World Rugby U-20 Trophy: USA pile more woes on Kenya's Chipu despite spirited fight

Mark Kinyanjui 20:00 - 12.07.2024

Kenya have finished their World Rugby U-20 trophy without a victory.

Kenya U20 men's national rugby team, Chipu, ended their World U20 Trophy Pool action without a victory, following a 30-17 loss to the USA in a clash that took place at the Hive Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland - Friday.

This match marked their third defeat in the pool stages, having previously lost 25-7 to Uruguay and 51-3 to the Netherlands. Despite the result, Chipu displayed a commendable fighting spirit against the Americans.

First Half:

The USA began the game with an early unconverted try from the corner, taking a 5-0 lead. They soon extended their advantage to 8-0 with a successful penalty kick. However, Chipu responded with determination. 

After sustained pressure, a penalty kick by James Olela narrowed the gap to 8-3 as the first half concluded.

Second Half:

The USA returned rejuvenated in the second half, adding another penalty to make it 11-3. A converted try following a Chipu holding penalty further extended the USA's lead. The Americans then scored two more converted tries, seemingly putting the game out of reach at 30-3.

Chipu, refusing to give up, sparked a comeback through Elvis Otete's try, which Philip Okeyo successfully converted to make it 30-10. 

This was quickly followed by another converted try by Daniel Kipchirchir, bringing the score to 30-17. Despite their efforts, Chipu could not close the gap further, ending the match with a hard-fought loss.

USA’s Path to the Final:

The victory ensured the USA's progression to the Junior Trophy final, having previously dominated their pool matches with a 44-33 win over the Netherlands and a 32-15 win against Uruguay. The USA is now one win away from returning to the World Rugby U20 Championship for the first time since 2013.

Kenya, who have finished rock bottom of their pool, will now have to contest for a seventh place playoff in their final match on 17th July.

Chipu squad

1. Wycliffe 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

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