Kenya rugby team. The team faces Russia today, Tuesday, in the Cup of Nations tourney in Hong Kong. [Photo/KRU]
Russia climbs to the top of the table with the win.
FULL TIME - RUSSIA 31 - KENYA 10
The referee blows his final whistle.
With a minute to go, Kenya has a penalty and the final opportunity for the Simbas.
1:30 The match slows down almost to a halt now with seven minutes to go, both teams not giving much away
1:27 10 minutes to go and Russia still leading the match
1:24 The Russian team launches an attack that almost results in a try, but hawk-eyed fullbacks keep their attack off
With 20 minutes to play, Kenya trails the defending champions Russia 31-10
1:08 Another Russia try! After the referee consulted with his assistant, he awards a try. Russia misses the resulting kick but lead 31-10
1:07 57 minutes of the match gone, and the score still remains Russia 26 and Kenya 10
1:06 Another substitution by Russia
1:06 Asiligwa and try scorer Simiyu showing a good game, all of a sudden the Kenyan team seems a more competitive unit
1:05 Terrific play by the Simbas in the second half
1:04 Russia make a sub, taking of a flyhalf as they try to respond to Kenya scoring
1:03 Kenya trailing Russia by 26-10
1:03 Mukidza scores the resultign kick to give Kenya 7 points!
1:03 Kenya hit back almost immediately a great break from Michael SImiyu to score a try!
1:02 Russia leading 26:3
1:02 Russia scores the kick again, taking the score to 26
1:01 Russia again score another try, the first try in the second half
1:00 No scores yet in the second half with both teams locked up
12:57 The Russians break from the wing but the attacker slips and falls before he could cross the line
12:56 Mukidza trying to use the wing to break the Russians but they fight back
12:55 Kenya coming off the blocks strongly, looking for a comeback against the defending champions
12:55 The Russians kick of the second half.
2ND HALF
Key talking points from the first half; Coach Jerome talking to his boys and trying to deliver the message that they can come back into the match
Kenya to face Hong Kong in their next match, with Russia facing Chile
The home team had a good, controlled first 15 minutes, good defending and the back three did a clean job.
Simbas were also culpable of poor tackles and handling of the ball, however a much-improved performance from the first match against Chile
HALFTIME
12:40 Russia go into the break leading 19-3
12:39 Russia hit Kenya again with another try, the third in the first half. They now lead 19 against Kenya's 3
12:38: Russia have another try! The Simbas lost concentration on the wing and the Russians took full advantage
12:37 Three minutes to go in the first half
12:36 Poor ball handling seeming to cost the Kenyan team
12:36 Defending champions now leading the Kenyan Simbas 12-3
12:35 Russia again! slick passing from the Russian team sees them curve open the Kenyan defence to score another try
12:31 Kenyans have been fantastic but they now trail Russia 7-5 with 32 minutes played
12:30 Russia have a try! capitalizing on a lapse in defense to earn five-point
12:25 The Kenyan Simbas having a good game, good defending but slightly lacking in attack.
12:21 Kenya survive again, it's an offside
12:21 Russia wins a scrum at a dangerous point
12:20 20 minutes gone and the Kenyan team leading the match
12:18 Joshua Chisanga, who has been instrumental is replaced by Elkeans Musonye
12:17 The Russians showing great ball retention but the Kenyan team has a much stronger defence.
12:16Clever run by the Russian team, but the Kenyan defence continues to stand firm and thwart the attacks
12:15 The match hits the quarter hour mark with the Kenyan Simbas leading 3-0 from a penalty
12:13 Kenyan team showing great resilience compared to their first match against Chile.
12:10 Terrific kick by Biko Adema, but Russia get a throw in
12: 08 Kenya scores a penalty! and they lead Russia 3-0 in the unexpected start!
12:06 Russia tries to break away but the Kenyan fullbacks keep the Russians off
12:05 Chisanga leading the Kenyan team brightly, breaking up Russia plays and surging forward beautifully
12:03 Russia tries to break on the flanks but Chisanga does well to thwart the attack
12:00 Kenya gets the match underway.
12:00 Ready for the kick-off
11:59 Russia's national anthem reverberates through the stadium
11:59 The Kenya national anthem playing as both teams are ready to kick off the match.
11:55 Six starters from Friday’s 23-3 opening loss to Chile; Peter Karia, Oliver Mang’eni, Joshua Chisanga, Leo Owade, Darwin Mukidza, Davis Chenge and skipper Wilson Kopondo retain their places in the starting line up.
11:50 Head coach Jerome Paarwater named his squad for today's match on Monday evening.
11:45 Paarwater, who spoke to the Kenya Rugby Union, before the match said they expect a tough match from their opponents.
“They are a different challenge to us because they are physical but the guys are looking ready to go. It will be a tough game but we hope the outcome can be in our favor," he said.
Kenya Simbas will take on Russia this afternoon in the Regal Hotels Cup of Nations in Hong Kong.
The Kenyan team lost their first match on Friday to Chile and will be looking to bounce back against the Cup’s defending champions in a match that will kick off at 12 pm.
The encounter will be the first ever test match between the SportPesa sponsored Simbas and Russia.
The Kenya Rugby 15’s team is proudly sponsored by SportPesa. Through the Tujiamini initiative, SportPesa is giving you a chance to showcase any talent you might have. You could stand a chance to train with great sporting stars, meet your legends or even get a sponsorship. Showcase your talent, or that of a person you know by clicking here