Chipu upset Hong-Kong China to pick first World Rugby U20 Trophy win

Kenya U20 national team, Chipu finished off their pool B campaign on a high after seeing off Hong-Kong China 22-16 in the final pool match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday 25 July.

Curtis Olago's charges were coming off a 35-24 loss over Samoa in the opening pool match and a 48-18 defeat in the hands of Spain. They were hunting for a first World Rugby U20 Trophy win.

Their opponents Hong Kong on the other hand were fresh from a close 30-27 defeat over Samoa. The Chinese started their U20 campaign with a humbling 53-0 loss to Spain.

Kenya was placed bottom of Pool B with a point while Hong Kong China was second last with two points. Both teams were looking for their first win.

The first half was action-packed with both teams showcasing tenacious defense, and fighting tooth and nail to keep the ball. The pressure was high, causing the teams to knock on severally.

Kenya was strong in lineouts and mauls. The forwards too put in the desired work.

Kenya opened the scoresheets within the opening five minutes of the game when they mauled over for a five-pointer that was converted by Eddy Wambugu. Scores 7-0.

Hong Kong attempted comebacks by piling pressure on the Kenyans and making a real mess of their breakdown. Chipu, unable to withhold the pressure, infringed to earn China three more points.

Bolstered by their opening points, the visitors went over the whitewash with a converted try that saw the scores climb to 10-7.

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Chipu were slow in rucks, as compared to their counterparts who played to their advantage.

After a series of passes, skipper Wamalwa went over for a five-pointer but Hong Kong's defense put their bodies between the Nyayo turf and the ball, leading to frowns from Kenyan fans across Nyayo Stadium.

The youngsters however played on, this time managing a penalty which Faran Juma converted to see the scores tie at 10-10.

In the dying minutes of the closing half, Kong Kong's Michael Denmark was sent to the naughty chair for a neck tackle on Wamalwa.

Kenya then capitalized on the numerical advantage to score a second try through Kabras RFC's Jacktone Omondi. The conversion was unsuccessful off the boots of Juma. Half time scores were 15-10.

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In the final half, Chipu added one converted five-pointer and Hong Kong managed two penalties to see the scores at 22-16 before the sound of the final whistle.

Kenya will now play Zimbabwe in the fifth place final scheduled for Saturday 29 July at the same venue.

The day kicked off with a match pitting the USA and Zimbabwe with the latter narrowly edging the Americans 38-37.

Spain will face off with Samoa in the third game of the day before paving way for Scotland and Uruguay in the final match.