The pecking order of the Rugby Africa women’s Performance Division will become clearer on match day two at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground when the four teams play the second matches, a reversal of the opening day. 

Already, hosts Kenya and South Africa, the defending champions have set up an early marker on their anticipated brawl in the last match on Saturday when the curtain comes down on the fifth edition of this competition. The results on day one could force a realignment for the matches on Wednesday according to comments by coaches from three teams.

Muhammad Athiyo, the Uganda head coach admitted the match against rivals Kenya was competitive despite a lapse in the opening half where Uganda conceded two soft tries. Also, players missed tackles which greatly affected the rhythm.

Next Matches

The coach reminded the players about their mission and to rise up to the challenge against South Africa and Madagascar in their next matches. “Moving forward, we hope to get better,” he stated. Athiyo added: “All games are tough and we cannot take any team for granted. We will go out with all guns blazing,” he promised.

His opposite number Simon Odongo observed Uganda were gutsy and played much better than their last match against Kenya Lionesses. “We had the experience of 7s players and played in the right zones forcing Uganda to adjust,” Odongo offered.

Additionally, the coach made key technical changes to neutralize Uganda’s threats. One such change was recognizing the physical threat from Peace Lekuru which saw Odongo deploy a forward, Faith Livoi to center. Two other players Sinaida Nyachio and Freshia Oduor were also given new roles in this match.

Different Approach

In the next matches, Odongo intends to continue with this approach as the team builds up for the nail-biting match against South Africa on Saturday. Initially, the coach plans to include Sheila Chajira in the next two matches after missing the match against Uganda. “Madagascar is unpredictable. They play with the ball in hand but we have the physicality and should be able to force them into mistakes,” Odongo observed.  

Some of the players who have emerged as key contenders for the future are Tracey Montex, Charity Nillah, and Marvel Oswago. Also, Janet Okelo was a key player with decisive line breaks and gifting the new players scoring opportunities. Overall, Odongo admitted it is not easy playing at home. 

Franzel September, one of South Africa’s assistant coaches, was happy with a win against Madagascar and said it was not an easy start. In their next matches, the champions will default to their strengths by controlling the set pieces. “It was not a statement win. We took our opportunities,” he explained after Madagascar scored the opening try. 

Kenya 43 Uganda 10

Moreen Muritu opened the scoring for Kenya Lionesses in the seventh minute and Nyachio converted for a 7-0 lead. Immediately, Uganda responded with a try by Cabrine Kirabo and converted by Bushira Namutebi to level the scores 7-7. 

Kenya Lionesses recovered from the shaky start when Stella Wafula touched down in the 15th minute and three minutes later Oduor crossed the line and Montex was next over in the 25th. Nyachio was unable to add the extra points. Namutebi added three points for Uganda in the 38th minute before the break.

In the second half, Livoi scored a try in the 45th minute and Nyachio converted. There was a lull before Jascenta Musakali barged over in the 65th minute. Oduor completed her brace in the 71st minute. Both tries were converted by Nyachio.

South Africa 64 Madagascar 5

South Africa recovered from an early try by Madagascar to take control and convincingly beat Madagascar in their opening match. Mialy Ravaoarinoro crossed the line in the 11th minute and Nomenjanahary Valerie Razafinindrina missed for Madagascar.

That was the only time their try line was breached by their opponents who replied with nine tries, five of which were converted by Jacomina Cilliers. She initiated the comeback with a try in the 17th minute which she converted. 

Alichia Arries scored the second try in the 32nd minute and four minutes later Aphiwe Ngwevu touched down and Cilliers converted. Nambuyekezo Mdliki was next over in the 41st minute and just before the break, Chuma Qawe scored a try converted by Cilliers.

Faith Tshauke opened the scores in the second half with a try in the 53rd minute, Logan Welman (54), Thandile Mazwi (62), and Siphenathi Yeko (73).

Teams

Kenya: 15 Freshia Oduor, 14 Tracy Montex (Judith Akumu), 13 Janet Okelo, 12 Faith Livoi, 11 Stella Wafula (Yvette Okech), 10 Moreen Muritu (Angel Salamba), 9 Sinaida Nyachio, 8 Naomi Amuguni, 7 Marvel Oswago (Maria Gacheru), 6 Nelly Chikombe, 5 Phoebe Akinyi (Charity Nillah), 4 Naomi Jelagat, 3 Natasha Emali (Jascenta Musakali), 2 Knight Otwoma (Naomi Muhanji), 1 Jane Chanya (Valentine Otieno).

Replacements: 16 Naomi Muhanji, 17 Valentine Otieno, 18 Jascenta Musakali, 19 Charity Nillah, 20 Maria Gacheru, 21 Judith Okumu, 22 Angel Salamba, 23 Yvette Okech.

Uganda: 15 Mastula Nambozo, 14 Unity Namulala, 13 Grace Nabaggala (Justine Anguchia), 12 Peace Lekuru, 11 Christine Akello (Gertrude Kateesa,), 10 Bushira Namutebi (Josephine Babirye.), 9 Juliet Nandawula, 8 Angelia Nanyonjo, 7 Suzan Adong (Yvonne Najjuma), 6 Cabrine Kirabo, 5 Proscovia Mukyala (Hellen Acanit,), 4 Leona Acen (Phiona Nantongo), 3 Doreen Mbabazi (18 Christine Kokoi), 2 Fazirah Namukwaya, 1 Doreen Sijali (Yvonne Najjuma).

Replacements: 16 Yvonne Najjuma, 17 Phoebe Nakalembe, 18 Christine Kokoi, 19 Hellen Acanit, 20 Phiona Nantongo, 21 Justine Anguchia, 22 Gertrude Kateesa, 23 Josephine Babirye.

South Africa: 15 Chuma Qawe (Siphenathi Yeko), 14 Nomawethu Mabenge, 13 Jacomina Cilliers, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu (22 Naima Hlatshwayo), 11 Alichia Arries (Ntsako Mbombi), 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Anacadia Minnaar (Insaaf Levy), 8 Logan Welman, 7 Sinelitha Noxeke, 6 Faith Tshauke, 5 Anathi Qolo (Nobuhle Mjwara), 4 Nomsa Mokwai, 3 Nambuyekezo Mdliki (Thandile Mazwi), 2 Anushka Groenewald (Roseline Botes), 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Yonela Ngxingolo).

Replacements: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Nobuhle Mjwara, 20 Ntsako Mbombi, 21 Insaaf Levy, 22 Naima Hlatshwayo, 23 Siphenathi Yeko.

Madagascar: 15 Zaya Fanantenana, 14 Ginah Raharimalala, 13 Vacilly Rahariravaka, 12. Valisoa Razanakiniaina, 11 Mialy Ravaoarinoro, 10 Nomenjanahary Valerie, 9 Joela Mirasoa Fenohasina, 8 Falena Rasoarimanana (Volatiana Rasoanangrasana), 7 Delphine Raharimalala, 6 Rojoniaina Rafanomezantsoa (Sariaka Nomenjanahary), 5 Oliviane Andriatsilavina, 4 Eleonore Rasoanantenaina (Felana Rakotoarison,), 3 Miora Rabarivelo (Fenitra Razafindramanga,), 2 Laurence Rasoanantenaina (Elinah Raminoarisoa,), 1 Mamisoa Rasoarimalala (Avotriniaina Zarasoa,).

Replacements: 16 Avotriniaina Zarasoa, 17 Elinah Raminoarisoa, 20 Volatiana Rasoanangrasana, 21 Faniriniaina Linah Armel, 22 Tiana Razanamahefa, 23 Fenitra Razafindramanga, 27 Felana Rakotoarison, 28 Volatiana Rasoanangrasana.