Late surge from Chipu insufficient as USA maintain 100% record in World U20 Trophy

Kenya U20 men's national rugby team; Chipu ended their World U20 Trophy Pool action without victory after falling 30-17 to the USA in a match played on Friday at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The youngsters were coming off a 25-7 loss to Uruguay and another 51-3 heartache at the hands of the Netherlands. Compared to their previous matches, Chipu put up a valiant fight against the Americans.

This was the first time the sides had played each other at the U20 Trophy since the second edition of the age-grade tournament in 2009, which Chipu won 33-32

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The USA posted a strong start to the game, with an unconverted try from the corner post putting them 5-0 ahead. A penalty shortly after extended their advantage to 8-0.

However, Chipu refused to back down and piled on the pressure. Their efforts paid off when a USA infringement within their own five-meter line resulted in a penalty kick that was drilled in by James Olela. The half ended with the score at 8-3 to USA.

The second half saw a rejuvenated USA team. A penalty kick extended their lead to 11-3, followed by a converted try after a Chipu holding penalty.

Two converted tries for the USA seemed to put the game out of Chipu's reach at 30-3.

But surrender was not an option for Chipu. Elvis Otete sparked a comeback with a try, converted by Philip Okeyo to bring the score to 30-10. This seemed to ignite the fighting spirit in the Kenyan team, as Daniel Kipchirchir added another converted try shortly after.

Despite a valiant effort, Chipu ultimately fell short.

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The result saw USA reach the final of their Junior Trophy. They dominated their previous matches, defeating the Netherlands 44-33 and Uruguay 32-15. They are now one win away from securing a return to the World Rugby U20 Championship for the first time since 2013

Chipu squad

1. Wycliffe Ogutu 2. Bramwel Anekea 3. Darrell Oluoch 4. Eugine Etale 5. Clein Okumbi 6. Edmond Omondi 7. Andycole Omolo 8. Iddo Kuta 9. Patrick Wainaina

10. Philip Okeyo 11. Samuel Otete 12. Michael Wamalwa 13. James Olela 14. Alvin Khavoli 15. Jackson Siketa 16. Brian Shile 17. Geylord Ngasi 18. Ian Nyandusi 19. Eddy Otieno 20. Nathan Tsindoli 21. Benadict Muiruri 22. Daniel Bett 23. Eugene Ojiambo