Kenya Simbas go on the rampage against Portugal
Kenya’s Kelvin Omoyi savours his try during their international Test match against Portugal at the RFUEA grounds yon May 30, 2015. Kenya won 41-15. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |
What you need to know:
- Highly ranked Europeans endure torrid afternoon
- Hosts prove credentials with a hugely impressive display in an enthralling international Test match
A dominant Kenya touched down five tries converted to stun 2007 World Cup finalists Portugal 41-15 in an explosive international Test match at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday.
Debutant full-back Samuel Oliech scored a brace of tries as skipper blindside flanker Brian Nyikuli, outside centre Fabian Olando and inside centre Kelvin Omoyi landed one apiece.
Right-wing Darwin Mukidza made four conversions while scrum-half Lyle Asiligwa made a conversion as fly-half Isaac Adimo slotted over a drop goal.
Full-back Antonio Ferrador and Tighthead prop Tony Martins scored a try each for Portugal, who were overwhelmed in all facets of play. Yannick Ricardo made one conversion and a penalty for Portugal who are placed 23rd in the World Ranking.
The match started at a high tempo with Kenya controlling the proceedings at the breakdowns. After some explosive open play, Adimo chalked up an overhead kick on the right as Oliech scaled high for the catch before offloading to Olando from a tackle.
Mukidza sneaked in the first try from the right flank before Asiligwa converted to give the hosts a 7-0 lead. A prodding Kenya met a tight Portugal defence but managed a penalty after an infringement in the ruck but Mukidza missed.
Portugal went on attack with their powerful pack but Kenya defended well to easily claim a turnover at the breakdown inside their 22m before going on offensive.
WELL-CRAFTED TRY
The strong Kenyan pack led by Nyikuli would lay Asiligwa, who sliced through in the middle before putting through the explosive Omiyo for their second try. Mukidza converted for a 14-0 lead.
Portugal would turn on the style with their hefty pack to get a penalty that Ricardo kicked wide but he would convert Ferrador’s well-crafted try. Further mistakes at the breakdown saw Kenya concede two penalties which Ricardo failed to convert.
Kenya won a penalty of their own which Mukidza converted for a 14-10 lead at the drinks. In the second half Kenya sustained the pressure forcing Portugal to resort to kicking.
