The Long Road To The Rugby World Cup!

Today was our greatest chance to qualify directly Rugby World Cup. We were 80 minutes away from a historic feat that would have catapulted the national team players to hero status back home.

However our charge came unstuck at the last hour against a disciplined and well drilled Zimbabwe 28-10. It was such a crushing defeat, especially knowing that the Repecharge route would depend on a favorable score in the final game, preferably for Madagascar. Namibia eventually ran out 89-10 victors in the last game, earning direct qualification to RWC 2015 relegating Zimbabwe to the Repecharge and Kenya back to the drawing board.

Our set piece was our greatest undoing. We lost the battle in the scrums and barely has decent ball from the line-out. We all know that without a platform you cannot set up any form of attack. Zimbabwe deserve the credit for stifling any attacking platform for the Kenyans. This was an important play for the Sables as they knew the potential of the Tusker Simba back line. The one time they let their guard down, the impressive Kayange broke through to score Kenyas only try of the game. That was as much as Kenya team could muster the entire game. The defence worked hard throughout the match, were well disciplined. Zimbabwe also used their bench with great effect, fresh legs carrying then home ad repelling all attacks.

Across the country there must be a flurry of opinions across the rugby fraternity in Kenya, with everyone voicing their opinion on what went wrong and why we did not qualify. But before we condemn the performance, we should hold the criticism and applaud the team for captivating out hearts daring us to dream that we could rise to the very top of the world. We should also applaud the team for almost matching the exploits of the 7s team in the longer version of the game. Kudos to the Tusker Simba!

Congratulations to Namibia for Qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and displaying their spectacular display of Skill, Composure and Determination as they rose from a 5 point 3rd place position on match day two to 1st place and automatic qualification on match day three of the CAR Division 1A Rugby World Cup Qualifiers tournament.

 

Now back to the drawing board for Kenya and this blogger believes that preparations for 2019 should start today. I also pray that we can secure a sponsor who believes in long terms plans and a leadership at the Union that can prepare a credible plan. In other news, the future of Kenya rugby was on display at the RFUEA grounds as Laiser Hill upset Lenana School 18-13 to lift their first Prescott Cup in their first year after getting promoted into the Prescott Cup Schools League.

....Rugby In My Words...

Tusker Simba: The Hunt Continues.

As the countdown to Wednesday 2nd July 2014,(1500hrs EAT), Kenya XVs continue their historic quest to be the 1st East African side to qualify for the Rugby World Cup. After beating Namibia 29-22, Kenya took a huge step towards qualification and passing the first hurdle. The side running out tomorrow will have that weighing heavily on their minds as they battle Madagascar in Antanarivo. We all expect KenyaXVs to convincingly beat Madagascar and set one foot in next year's World Cup, but will the pressure be too much for the boys? This blogger doesn't think so!

Coach Jerome Paarwater has virtually changed the entire team, lock Mang`eni, Kayange at centre and wings Injera & Muhanji as the only survivors. 

Mang`eni at lock and Kayange at centre

Wings Injera & Muhanji

The team named is quite mobile and should be able to deal effectively with Madagascars running game that really troubled Zimbabwe. The pack is mobile with an explosive back row that includes the muscular duo of Amonde & Chenge, and the extremely powerful Chisanga. 

muscular duo of Amonde & Chenge, and the extremely powerful Chisanga

It will also be interesting to see how young Asiligwa and Andola (AA) will combine to release a back line full of pace and power. The team is a potent as the team that took to the pitch for the first game, therefore we could be in for a cracking game.

The (AA)duo

Kenya squad to face Madagascar

15. Michael Agevi, 14. Collins Injera, 13. Humphrey Kayange, 12. Nick Barasa, 11. Dennis Muhanji, 10 . Kenny Andola, 9. Lyle Asiligwa, 8. Joshua Chisanga, 7. Davis Chenge, 6. Andrew Amonde (captain), 5. Oliver Mang’eni, 4. Ronnie Mwenesi, 3. Moses Amusala, 2. Maxwell Adaka, 1. Curtis Lilako

Replacements

16. Samuel Warui, 17. Joseph Kang’ethe, 18. James Kang’ethe, 19. Wilson K’Opondo, 20. Martin Owila, 21. Edwin Achayo, 22. Lavin Asego, 23. Patrice Agunda 

 To all rugby fans, let's all tune in on Wednesday 2nd July 2014 at 1500hrs EAT as the KenyaXVs hunt for to qualify for RWC 15 continues...

...Rugby in my words...

Tusker Simba: The Pride of A Nation.

Let's all take a bow and applaud the Tusker Simba, the pride of a nation. The Kenya XVs squad

surprised beat Namibia 29:22 to take once step closer to their dream:RWC Qualification. Namibia

were 1st to score and at some point were leading 12:0. At this point the Namibia pack was bossing

the breakdown, numbing our attack. Many would have predicted a win for Namibia, but we knew

that we had a game on our hands. Similar to the 7s World Cup in Moscow, the feed went off! For

those who remember that day,when the feed resumed Kenya was trailing. Data as bundles were

hurriedly purchased, the only source or updates available on Twitter. Nerves were wrecked, fans

on edge needing to know how the game was going. Unlike that stormy afternoon in Russia, it was

not the same case this time round when the feed came back. The scores were tied 19:19 when I

tuned in. And Kenya were on the ascendancy. The team controlled proceedings extremely well

and looked likely to score. Kenya scored first, flyhalf Lavina Asego slotting in a penalty before

his opposite number levelled. Then the true moment that got all Kenyan fans on their feet. Enter

Super Sub, Andrew Amonde. He finished off a good phase of play both the team with a powerful

run that gave the defence no chance! Lyle Asiligwa added the extras to lead 29:22. The team

continued to boss play and control proceedings holding on to record a much sought after victory.

Kudos to the boys for a great performance!

To the Kenya rugby fraternity, today we got to see what the benefits of having a plan can be.

Sending the team down to SA to take part in the Vodacom Cup has really changed how we play

especially in the forwards. Execution has improved, physicality is now part of our game and we

are using set pieces as an attacking platform. This side is exciting to watch look very confident

with ball in hand. With adequate funding in place and a good team of coaches in place, the team

is slowly transforming into a solid unit, a powerhouse in rugby. It was a good call to blend the

experience of the 7s players to bolster the line as it added an interesting attacking option. Now

Kenya are 2 games away from world cup qualification. Furthermore,this is our chance to cement

out place as the best side in Africa(after SA).

Further afield Fiji secured their slot in the 2015 RWC as they beat Cook Island 108-6.

...Rugby in my words...

A WEEKEND OF SUCCESSFUL DEFENCES, FIRSTS AND RECYCLING TO SAVE THE GREEN & GOLD

The 2013-2014 Kenya Cup season reached its conclusion over the weekend with defending champions Top-fry Nakuru defeating KCB 20-13. Many had predicted a closely fought game, especially due to the form exhibited by both teams through-out the season.

KCB drew first blood when winger Darwin Mukidza slotted home a penalty after 21 minute. This seemed to sting the boys from Suguta valley to life restoring parity with a penalty. The turning point of the game would be the sending off of KCB flanker Brian Sagara. Nakuru forwards, heavier and outnumbering the opponent, bossed proceedings eventually barging over for a try.

Nakuru’s dominance continued in the early stages of the 2^nd half,however it would be KCB to score first. Ken Moseti, reknown for barging throught the tiniest gaps, beat the Nakuru gain-line to play in Mukidza to score and convert to take a 10-8 lead.

Man-of-the Match, Nakuru 8^th man Martin Owila, was in outstanding form, capping a fine performance with a try. KCB led 15-10 with 60 minutes gone on the clock. KCB would cut the deficit to 15-13 with a penalty but Nakuru responded soon after. A grubber kick form Kelvin ‘Chwaki’ Omiyo was not dealt with properly by the defense, allowing Nakuru to touch down and  extend their lead, 20-13.

Chasing a game is never easy, especially against a team that is dominant at the breakdowns and in contact. KCB would learn the hard way as Nakuru frustrated all their attempts to score. Top-Fry Nakuru held on to defend their title. Congratulations.

It was not entirely a bad day for KCB in an earlier match, KCB II defeated Nakuru II 21-10 in extra time to reclaim the Eric Shirley Shield title.

In Super Rugby, it was a weekend of firsts as The Sharks secured their first ever Super Rugby victory in Christchurch and the Rebels beat the Reds.

 The Sharks pulled off a remarkable 25-30 victory over the Crusaders in what was the billed as the clash-of the-weekend.   It was the first time the Sharks have beaten the Crusaders at home in the history of Super Rugby, and it was the first time any South African side has won in Christchurch since 2001. What made the victory more remarkable was that the Sharks played with 14 player for most of the match. Sharks flanker Jean Deysel was red carded for stamping in the 16th minute. In the second half Willem Alberts was yellow carded which meant the Sharks played for 64 minutes with 14 men and for 10 minutes with 13 men. Even though the Crusaders had a significant numbers advantage in players the Sharks led for most of the second half and outscored the Crusaders by three tries to one. The Crusaders won the forward battle, yet despite dominating possession they were held out by a desperate defense by the Sharks. At one point in the match, the seven-time champion Crusaders, enjoyed 81% of the possession, but had to settle for one bonus point.

At the Suncorp Stadium, Australia, The Melbourne Rebels earned their first ever victory over the Reds when they beat the Queenslanders 27-30. An incident late in the match gave the Rebels a penalty which they converted to snatch a famous victory. In the 78th minute of the match Ed O’Donoghue was red-carded for coming in contact with Scott Higginbotham's eyes. Reds captain James Horwill was later quotes saying that his team were "robbed by a stupid refereeing decision”.

This is what prompted the comments; Referee Steve Walsh had already dealt with the fracas, awarding a defensive penalty to the Reds. Play continued for some time before the television referee called Walsh's attention to O'Donoghue's action. Walsh watched several replays on the big screen at Suncorp Stadium before accepting the TMO's recommendation to red-card O'Donoghue and to award a penalty to the Rebels, which Woodward kicked from close range.

It seemed like a rather bizarre twist to the game, a fact that was not lost on the fans. The recipient of the alleged eye gouge, Higginbotham, spent 10 minutes in the sin-bin for an elbow charge which broke the nose of Reds centre Mike Harris in the first minute of a fractious match.

The decision allowed the Rebels to post their fourth win of the season and to move clear of the Reds, who dropped to the bottom of the Australian conference with their sixth straight loss.

And finally, in the modern age, going green and recycling is considered fashionable. It is so trendy that Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer decided to do some recycling as well; he has called up Rugby World cup winners Victor Matfield and Schalk Burger for South Africa's 36-man national training squad that attend training camps in Durban from the 25th to the 28th of May.

The re-appearance from retirement and long-term injury of Matfield and Burger, plus 8-uncapped players are part of a squad rocked by injuries. Selection was furthers hampered by the unavailability of players based in France, England and Ireland as most of them are still playing for their respective clubs.

Players who were involved with the Springboks last year, but were not considered for selection because of medium to long-term injuries, are Scarra Ntubeni (foot), Chiliboy Ralepelle (knee), Frik Kirsten (neck), Pieter-Steph du Toit (knee), Franco van der Merwe (ankle), Arno Botha (knee), Pierre Spies (bicep), Louis Schreuder (hand), Pat Lambie (bicep), Gio Aplon (elbow) and Jaque Fourie, who could potentially miss the entire Test season because of an ankle injury.

Check out the 36-man Springbok training squad is:

Forwards (20): Tendai Mtawarira ( Sharks), Trevor Nyakane ( Cheetahs), Marcel van der Merwe (Bulls)*, Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Coenie Oosthuizen ( Cheetahs), Bismarck du Plessis ( Sharks), Adriaan Strauss ( Cheetahs), Eben Etzebeth ( Stormers), Lood de Jager ( Cheetahs)*, Victor Matfield ( Bulls), Flip van der Merwe ( Bulls), Heinrich Brussow ( Cheetahs), Maroetzee ( Sharks), Siya Kolisi ( Stormers), Willem Alberts ( Sharks), Jacques du Plessis ( Bulls)*, Teboho Mohoje ( Cheetahs)*, Duane Vermeulen ( Stormers), Schalk Burger ( Stormers).

Backs (16): Fourie du Preez (Suntory, Japan), Francois Hougaard ( Bulls), Johan Goosen ( Cheetahs), Marnitz Boshoff (Lions)*, Jean de Villiers ( Stormers), Damian De Allende ( Stormers)*, Jan Serfontein ( Bulls), Juan de Jongh ( Stormers), JJ Engelbrecht ( Bulls), S'bura Sithole ( Sharks)*, Frans Steyn ( Sharks), Lwazi Mvovo ( Sharks), Bjorn Basson ( Bulls), JP Pietersen ( Sharks), Cornal Hendricks ( Cheetahs)*, Willie le Roux ( Cheetahs).

* - Uncapped at Test level

      ....And with that, it's Rugby in my Words....

WEEKENDS WERE MADE FOR RUGBY!

 

Tusker Simba XV's are the toast of the country after opening their Vodacom Cup account with a victory against the Eastern Province Kings in City Park, Cape Town. The Tusker Simba XV had a memorable performance as they put up a spirited display to record a notable 17-10 victory.

The game kicked off in frenzy with the EP Kings crossing the line with barely any time recorded on the clock. To the fans gathered at City Park, a white-wash was on the cards. However a determined Tusker Simba outfit would lebel the scores with their first foray into the opponents half. Homeboyz winger Leornard Mugaisi scored the first of his 2-Tries to lead the team to victory. Even playing with 13 men at one point in the match, Tusker Simba played their hearts out and Max Adaka's try was the final nail in EP Kings coffin as the Kenyan lads held off for a-memorable win. Final score: Tusker Simba XV 17-10 EP Kings.
The lads can now look forward to a difficult game against the SWD Eagles who lost their opening fixture 52-37 to Free State XV.
Well in boys, do us proud!
 
On the local front, Kabras won their Nationwide final against the Catholic Monks to pick up their first trophy of the season. Both teams had gained promotion to Kenya Cup by virtue of winning their respective leagues. The game was more a matter of pride for the 2 teams; the chance to play in the top league was the ultimate prize. 

In Enterprise Cup action, Strathmore Leos beat Machine 32-10 to book a quarterfinal date with Total Nondies. Resolution Impala Saracens beat Mombasa Sports Club 24-5 down at the coast to book a date vs. defending champions Mwamba RFC. Lunch Bar Quins triumphed 44-20 over visiting Western Bulls to set up a date with KCB; Homeboyz beat Blak Blad 35-13 to progress to the quarterfinals where they will meet Top Fry Nakuru.

In Super Rugby Action that kicked off on Friday, Reds out-scored the Cheetahs 43-33, Crusaders won their 1^st match with a narrow 14-13 win over the visiting Stormers. Despite the loss, SA rugby fraternity will be delighted by the return of Schalk Burger and the statement he sent to all opposing back-lines; he is back, strong and as mean as ever. Cell C Sharks vaulted to the top of the table with a 37-23 win over the Lions, Bulls beat the visiting Blues 38-22 at Loftus Versfeld in a match that saw Akon Ndungane win his 100^th cap and speedster Bjorn Basson win his 50^th cap for the Blue Bulls outfit in Super Rugby competition.  Melbourne Rebels crashed back to earth after being mauled 32-7 by the Western Force in Perth. 

In 6 Nations action, an emotional Brian O’Driscoll bid farewell to the Irish fans as he inspired Ireland to a 46-7 victory over Italy in what was his world record 140^th match for his country. He set up two tries in the game to leave Ireland at the top of the table ans still within reach of the 6 Nations crown. -In the other fixture on Saturday, Scotland were unlucky losing to France 17-19 in the last minute at Murrayfield. In the final fixture of the weekend, England picked up the Triple-Crown after beating Wales 29-18. Tries from Danny Care and Luther Burrell - and a flawless kicking performance from Owen Farrell - saw England remain firmly in the hunt for a maiden RBS 6 Nations title under Stuart Lancaster.

Elswhere in Europe, Northampton Saints  booked their spot in the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final (LV Cup) after routing Sarecens 27-7, Samoan centre George Pisi bagging a hat-rick of tries. They will face the Exeter Chiefs  after they beat Bath Rugby in a hotly contested semi. Romania  took a huge step towards RWC qualification after defeating Belgium 29-10, Georgia beat Spain 21-17 and Russia ran out 34-17 victors against Portugal.

If that isn’t a sign that weekends were made for rugby, i don’t know what else is!

Counting down to the weekend...                                                               ...Rugby in my words...