Kubu stars as Kenya Simbas thrash Zambia to keep World Cup dreams alive

Kenya Simbas flyhalf Jone Kubu. [Courtesy]

Fijian born utility back Jone Kubu put in a man of the match performance as Kenya Simbas bounced back from their first match loss to Senegal to thrash Zimbabwe 45-8 in a one-sided Rugby Africa Cup Pool B match played at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

The Kabras Sugar fly half scored 18 points in the opening half as Simbas finished second in the Pool with six points and will face the winner of Pool C which has Uganda, Ghana and Algeria.

Seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 20-19 loss to Senegal last week, Paul Odera made six changes and positional switches ahead of the clash which paid off immediately after the kick off.

Kabras Sugar duo of George Nyambua and Kubu combined to give Kenya an early 7-0 lead off a mole before the Fijian making it 10-0 after a well taken penalty.

Kabras scrumhalf Brian Tanga would join his teammates in the score sheet after touching down moments later after being fed by Samwel Asati of KCB.

Laston Mukosa would then get Zambia’s first points after converting a 30-yard penalty before Simbas were reduced to 10-men with Joshua Chisanga sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

Despite being a man less, Kubu got his first try of the game with Domnic Coulson of Exeter University converting for Kenya to lead 22-3.

Kubu would then convert a drop goal before combining with Coulson to stretch Simbas lead to 32-3 at the break.

In the final half, Chisanga would stretch Kenya’s lead before Nyambua landing his brace with Coulson’s penalty to seal a omfortable 45-8 win with Israel Kalumba scoring Zambia’s only try.

Kenya have now qualified for the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup quarters which serves as the 2023Rugby World Cup African qualifying tournament.

Pool B Results

Kenya Simbas 19-20 Senegal

Senegal 20-5 Zambia

Kenya Simbas 45-8 Zambia