Gritty Zims extinguish Kenya’s Rugby World Cup hopes

Kenya Simbas conceded a converted try, two penalties and a drop goal in the second half to forfeit dreams of reaching the final of the Rugby Africa Cup tournament, that also doubles up as Africa’ qualifier tournament for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Three tries and a conversion proved inadequate for Kenya Simbas in the face of three tries, three penalties, and a drop goal by Zimbabwe, which put the southern African nation in the final.

Zimbabwe, who are the reigning Africa champions, will lock horns with Namibia in the final on July 19, a match whose winner will automatically qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup alongside reigning world champions South Africa, who have automatically qualified.

The runners-up will have a second chance to qualify for the World Cup at the repechage tournament.

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Namibia, who have competed in the past seven editions of the Rugby World Cup, inched closer to yet another appearance at the global stage yesterday, beating Algeria 21-7 in the other semi-final match. Kenya Simbas and Algeria will play in the play-off for third place.

The match between Kenya Simbas and Zimbabwe Sables ended dramatically after Kenya opted not to convert their last minute try by substitute Teddy Akala, and instead went for a restart so as to allow for play to continue.

As per the rules, if a team scores a try before the final hooter, the scorer or the captain has the option of choosing not to convert but rather go for a restart. Kenya Simbas were hoping to exercise this option but match referee Ronald Wutimber from Uganda blew the final whistle, sparking off protests from Kenya.

But Kenya will blame themselves for losing concentration to dish out penalties in wrong places, allowing Zimbabwe’s fly-half to do the damage through penalties, a drop goal and conversions.

The match started off with Kenya’s defence on the back foot, and Zimbabwe’s centre player Matthew McNab darted on the left flank to score a try for a 5-0 lead in the early minutes.

Kenya Simbas roared back with scintillating open play, and centre Bryson Adaka breaking the Sables defence. Kenya benefited from a penalty at the breakdown as they played for touch.

The Simbas were clinical with the line-out as they put the ball in the rolling maul, and hooker Eugene Sifuna grounded for a try. Fullback Jone Kubu missed the conversion as the two teams tied 5-5.

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Zimbabwe’s fly half Ian Prior then split the polls with a penalty to give the Sables the lead at 8-5, as Kenya Simbas played with a man less when winger Griffin Chao was sin-binned for a high tackle.

Still, Kenya claimed a penalty at the left flank, and Jone Kubu planted through to level matters 8-8. Kenya put up a good defence but conceded a penalty. Zimbabwe’s skipper Hilton Mudariki scored off the maul for a 13-8 lead after Prior had missed the conversion.

Kenya Simbas executed pick and drive movements to get a penalty off it as Kubu slotted over to inch close 13-11, and Chao came from the sin-bin with a crucial intercept of a loose ball inside his own half.

Chao touched down, and Kubu converted at the stroke of half time for a 18-13 lead as both sides proved cagey and tactical.

Substitute Dylan Utete scored for Zimbabwe off a pick and drive maul, and Prior converted to put Zimbabwe back in the lead at 20-18.

Then Prior stepped up with a drop goal and two penalties to extend their lead to 29-18 with three minutes remaining. Kenya collapsed at the breakdown, committing mistakes inside their half to hand the Sables easy penalties. An interception by Akala for Kenya’s final try proved too little too late.