T. NashipaeChipu hoping to floor Hong Kong and exit World Rugby U20 trophy tournament heads high
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 24.07.23. | 14:42
The match is expected to kick off at noon
The Kenya U20 men’s rugby team will be seeking to exit the 2023 World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament on a high when they confront Hong Kong on Tuesday 25 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Day three kicks off at 10 am when the USA take on Zimbabwe in an attempt to avenge their 40-13 loss to Pool A rivals Scotland in their second pool match.
Hosts Kenya, currently placed bottom in Pool B, will take on Hong Kong at 12.00 pm with pool leaders Spain playing Samoa two hours later.
Scotland will seek to extend their winning run when they take on Uruguay at 16.00 local time
All eyes will be on the Kenya vs Hong Kong match as both teams will be seeking to triumph and redeem themselves having failed to sparkle in their last two matches.
It is also worth noting that all the teams are out of title contention. Kenya suffered heartbreak in the opening match, falling to Samoa [35-24] before bowing 48-18 to Spain in the subsequent duel.
Hong Kong lost 53-0 to Samoa in their opening game and went on to fall 30-27 to Spain in their second pool game.
_(1)-min.jpg)
Head coach Curtis Olago will be looking to strike a balance to ensure the boys pock a win.
"These boys keep on improving every single day. We are building up slowly and the thing is to encourage them to keep going. Do not worry, we will play well. We promised we will, and we shall. Stay patient and keep the faith," Olago told Mozzart Sport after the heartbreak at the hands of Spain.
The tactician has made changes to the squad that played Spain on Thursday. Felix Chacha, who sustained an injury in the closing half of their second pool match has been replaced by skipper Michael Wamalwa.
Wamalwa's position has been occupied by Alvin Mwamburi. Faran Juma starts at full back in place of James Olela.
Olela's position at the wing has been taken by Raphael Wanga. Eddy Wambugu replaces Juma at fly half.
Brian Makaya and James Tsinalo could make their debut after being named in the squad.
In the same pool, log leaders Spain will tackle Samoa. Both the Spaniards and the Pacific Island nation will be looking to record resounding wins. They have not tasted defeat since the showpiece kicked off.
Meanwhile in Pool A, the USA will be looking to bounce back after their 40-13 loss to Scotland. The Americans will be up against U20 Barthes Cup defending champions Zimbabwe who are also seeking to avenge their 51-14 defeat over Uruguay.
The two opponents are ranked bottom of their pool with a point each.
Pool A table toppers Scotland will take on Uruguay, with both teams aiming to extend their winning streaks. Uruguay will climb to the top of the pool if they beat Scotland.
