Kenya's Simbas in action. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Kenya Simbas put in a fight but still fell to a 31-10 loss to Russia in Cup of Nations action at the Kings Park Sports Ground in Hong Kong yesterday. Kenya withstood early Russian pressure, getting points off the boot of Darwin Mukidza after the defending champions had infringed deep in their half.
They would, however, lose influential number eight Joshua Chisanga who limped off with a suspected knee injury, Elkeans Musonye, an early replacement slotting into the flank as Martin Owila was redeployed at an eighth man.
Russia stayed composed, Evgeny Nepeivoda grounding Ramil Gaisin’s pass, the former with the extras for a 7-3 lead with 12 minutes of the first half still to play. He would then convert one of sevens star German Davydov’s two tries to give the Russians a 19-3 lead at the interval.
The Russians were quick off the blocks after the restart, Sychev scoring off the maul, Gaisin sure with the conversion for a 26-3 lead. Nato Simiyu, barely minutes on the field as a replacement for Biko Adema, touched down for the Simbas after being played in by Leo Owade, Mukidza with the conversion to bring the score to 26-10.
Simbas would then spurn two try-scoring opportunities, first denied on the try line by the Russian defense before spilling the ball in the in-goal area. The Russians would score on the counter, Ryabov with the five-pointer as they withstood a late Simbas surge to carry home the result.
Russia coach Alexander Pervukhin said: “All games are different and thanks to Kenya for playing an exciting match. We changed nine players to get a different rhythm and we are happy for the win. The quality of the game against Hong Kong was better.”