Kenya will have their work cut out to get the better of Spain who brushed aside Hong Kong China 53-0 at the same venue.
The national rugby under 20 head coach Curtis Olago has announced the team set to take on a rampant Spain in the ongoing World U20 Trophy taking place at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi on Thursday afternoon.
Kenya will be looking for victory against the Spaniards when the two sides face off in Pool B action.
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RUGBY Chipu using Samoa heartbreak to bounce back against Spain
Chipu put in a spirited fight but were unable to edge Samoa, losing 34-25 in their opening World U20 Trophy encounter.
Olago insists that the side has been working on sorting out its mistakes from the Samoa defeat in their opening game on Saturday.
“We have been working on sorting out our mistakes from our opening game and trying to get a rhythm in terms of attack.”
“I believe we defended fairly well in our last game but as we head into the clash against Spain, our attack system should be able to put the opponents under pressure. ”
Olago has made six changes to the side that started the 24-35 defeat to Samoa on Saturday, handing a first tournament appearance to James Olela, who slots in at fullback.
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Chipu had several chances to break away and score more tries to win them the game, but they kept on squandering possession in unnecessary situations, failing to handle the ball well.
George Otieno and Mike Oduor start in the front row.
Stanslaus Shikoli, one of Chipu’s try scorers last weekend has been relegated to the bench following a bout of illness and is replaced by Edmund Omondih at lock.
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Vincent Omondi starts ahead of Iddo Kuta at openside while Victor Odhiambo is given the nod on the right wing in place of Alvin Mwamburi who drops to the bench.
Faran Juma, who started last weekend’s match at fullback is moved to fly-half in place of Eddy Wambugu who is rested for this fixture.
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Kenya will have their work cut out to get the better of Spain who brushed aside Hong Kong China 53-0 at the same venue. Chipu are currently third on 0 points but a win over the Spaniards could put them level with the mediterranean nation.
Kenya U20 Squad
15.James Olela, 14. Victor Odhiambo, 13. Michael Wamalwa (captain), 12.Felix Chacha, 11.Raphael Wanga,10. Faran Juma,9. Patrick Wainaina, 1. Geylord Ngasi, 2. George Otieno, 3. Mike Oduor, 4. Edmund Omondih, 5. Andycole Omolo, 6.Laban Kipsang, 7. Vincent Omondi, 8. Jacktone Omondi
REPLACEMENTS: 16. Jeremy Odhiambo, 17. Wickliffe Otieno, 18. Raymond Chacha,19. Stanslas Shikoli, 20. Iddo Kuta, 21. Brian Mwendwa, 22. Spencer Davies, 23. Alvin Mwamburi
14:25 - 15.07.2023
RUGBY World U20 Trophy: False start for Kenya in spirited defeat to Samoa
Kenya scored two quick tries before the end of the match, but they were not enough to prevent Samoa from narrowly edging them.