Zimbabwe . . . . (15) 20 Kenya . . . . . .(10) 29 THE Zimbabwe Under-20 rugby team’s hopes of returning to the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy went up in smoke after they lost 29-20 to Kenya in their Confederation of African Rugby (Car) Under-19 Championships semi-final match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit yesterday.
REPORT BY SPORTS REPORTER
The Young Sables, who were hoping to make a return to the world championship in Hong Kong next year, looked set to progress to Saturday’s final as they went to the break with a 15-10 lead.
After Kenya had taken a 10-0 lead, Zimbabwe bounced back with three tries from centre Takudzwa Kumadiro, wing Lance Chikodzi and fullback Mkhululi Ndlela.
Chikodzi completed his brace with another unconverted try early in the second half to give Zimbabwe a 20-10 lead although it could have been more if they had managed to convert all their tries.
The Young Sables were made to pay as Kenya stayed in the hunt, first scoring a converted try to bring the scores to 20-17 before finishing in a flurry, two tries and one conversion securing them the 29-20 result.
Kenya will now meet the winner between Namibia and Madagascar, who were set to play each other later yesterday while Zimbabwe will play the loser of that match in a battle to stay in the top-tier group.
Yesterday’s win also ensured that Kenya completed a double over Zimbabwe as their senior side beat the Sables at the Car Division One Championship in Madagascar recently.
