The Kenya Simbas delivered a spirited performance but narrowly fell 42-35 to the Limpopo Blue Bulls in a high-intensity friendly match in South Africa, rounding off their tour with renewed optimism ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda.
The Simbas started on a high note, with Brian Juma touching down early and Brian Wahinya slotting in the conversion for a 7-0 lead. The hosts quickly responded off a maul to equalize, but Kenya regained the advantage with a converted try under the posts. A seesaw first half saw John Okoth and Samuel Musonye adding tries for Kenya, both converted by Wahinya, sending the Simbas into halftime with a 28-21 lead.
The second half saw a resurgence from the Limpopo Blue Bulls, who scored back-to-back converted tries to lead 35-28. Kenya hit back with a well-worked try in the corner to level at 35-35. However, a late intercept try by the hosts under the posts sealed a dramatic 42-35 win.
Despite the defeat, Kenya’s attacking flair and improved finishing were evident. Head Coach Jerome Paarwater praised the team’s resilience, noting significant progress over the course of the South African tour, which also included a 17-17 draw with the SWD Eagles and losses to the South Africa U20s and Sanlam Boland.
However, concerns remain over the Simbas’ ruck management, with several poor offloads made too far from breakdowns, an area Paarwater is expected to tighten before continental competition.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which doubles as the first phase of qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, presents a vital opportunity for the Simbas. Their gritty display in Limpopo serves as a strong foundation to build on as Kenya eyes a return to the global stage.
Written By Rodney Mbua
