Samoa . . . . . (16) 38 Spain . . . . . . .(14) 32
Samoa qualified for the World Rugby U20 Championship to be held in Manchester, England, later this year after overcoming Spain in a tightly-contested World Rugby U20 Trophy final at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA
It took Samoan wing Tivoli Masaga’s hard-earned try in the sudden death period for his side to clinch a 38-32 win over their opponents after the game had ended in a draw.
The intriguing encounter had all the competitive quality of a final from the first minute as the two teams went into the break with two tries apiece.
Despite Spain’s tactical dominance, fate, however, favoured a spirited Samoan side.
Spain’s solid defense gave Samoans a torrid time only allowing just two tries.
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Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Under 20 team lost 40-44 margin against Hong Kong to finish at the bottom after losing all their matches.
The disappointed Young Sables’ hopes to salvage some consolation were dashed by a Hong Kong team, which was just as eager for a win having had lost all previous matches.
Despite playing better and minimising errors, the hosts’ perforated defence line left them exposed in the ostensibly balanced encounter.
The lack of kickers haunted the team as Kudzaishe Munangi’s two missed conversions could have been crucial in securing a draw and possibly a win if they had taken to the posts when awarded penalties.
The technical bench’s decision of players, however, ensured that they put up a stellar performance, which kept the crowd captivated to the last minute.
