Rugby: Paarwater purring over gritty Simbas

RUGBY KENYA VS SPAIN -KRFU GROUND Kenya Jacob Ojee(R) shield the ball against Joe Hutchinson of Spain during their Rugby test match at KRFU ground in Nairobi on Saturday 18/07/15.Kenya won 36-27.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Kenya Simba coach Jerome Paarwater was pleased with his team’s performance in their hard fought 36-27 win over visiting Spain in an international friendly match at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday.

This was Simba’s second test match victory against a highly ranked European team after trouncing Portugal 41-15 in May.

The Spaniards seemed to be winning what was a tense match before second half substitute Lawrence Buyachi spoiled their party touching down the ball with Darwin Mukidza converting for Kenya to secure a historic victory over the previously ranked 19th side.

In his post match interview, the South African said they were lucky to have got the test matches as they have prepared them for their Rugby Afrique Division 1A Championship fixtures including next month’s (August 8) away tie against Namibia.

“With this exciting friendly match, we are looking forward to a positive outing against Namibia,”said Paarwater.

“In the first half we gave Spain too many penalties but minimised after the break. At halftime, we knew they would come out and try to put us under pressure with their pace, scrum and line outs which they did, but we absorbed the pressure.

“We want to move away from the old conversional rugby, at first it was tough but in the second half in certain areas of the field they followed instructions. The guys got so excited and they just wanted to run with the ball, but sometimes when you play quality sides you need to stick to the basics also. Anyway, that was an important win and good show from the boys,” he said.

On Man of the Match Joshua Chisanga’s performance, who returned to action early this year after a long injury lay-off, Paarwater described him as a top class player.

“I am glad to see Chisanga 100 per cent fit. He is strong and he can run. He is a quality player.”

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