Kenya Simbas have dropped two places to 27 in the latest World Rugby rankings released yesterday.
This follows the Simbas Kenya 43-34 defeat to Hong Kong in the second encounter of the two-match Tatu City series following a 19-19 draw in the first on August 20.
Hong Kong, popularly known as The Dragons, moved up to their highest position ever in world rugby at 22 with Portugal and Belgium the beneficiaries of Kenya’ slip as they moved a step better to 25th and 26th respectively.
The Simbas have chance to exact revenge on The Dragons when they meet in the four-nation tournament set for Hong Kong in November. Others are Chile and Russia.
The tournament will act as a build up for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers slated for next year.
Simbas assistant coach Dominique Habimana said a slow start contributed to Kenya’s defeat over the weekend. “We did not start well. Our discipline let us down. We gave away too many penalties. We then conceded two tries in the opening 10 minutes of the second half to trail by 33-6,” said Habimana. “From then, it became a job of putting respectability on the scoreline.”
He was, however, encouraged by the late fightback by the Simbas as they scored four tries to salvage some pride.
Habimana said they may include New Zealand-based winger William Ambaka in the Rugby World Cup qualifiers if he can get clearance from his provincial club, Manuwatu Turbos.
Ambaka has been in good from for the club scoring a try on his debut in the Mitre 10 Cup. The tactician said they have been in touch with him to find out his plans for next year. “Obviously, he has started his career in New Zealand so we await his feedback on whether he will be available for the qualifiers which are set for June or July,” he added.
Kenya had a mixed season on the international fixtures losing to Germany 30-29, beating and drawing with Uganda 23-18 and 33-33, beat Senegal 45-25, humiliated Tunisia 100-10, overcame Zimbabwe 41-22 and lost to Namibia 45-7 to finish second in the Africa Gold Cup.
The team will have a two-week break before resuming training in mid September.
