Rampant Simbas de-feather Cranes in 48-10 whitewash

Swashbuckling Kenya Simbas 15s propelled by a Darwin Mukidza hat-trick demolished their hosts Uganda Cranes 48-10 in the first leg of the Elgon Cup in enemy territory on Saturday in Kampala to all but reclaim the trophy.

It was blistering start to the international season for head coach Jerome Paarwater who was left purring after his charges turned on a devastating display that saw Kenya go for the drinks break 29-10 and almost out of sight before the second half  onslaught left the Cranes de-feathered.

“We want to improve our rankings in the World Rugby,” the South African boss said after masterminding the victory against the team that won the Cup last season by a mere two points difference on aggregate after the score finished 25-27 over the two legs.

On Saturday all eyes were focused on Simon Muniafu who earned  his first cap in Kampala, starting at lock alongside the experienced Oliver Mang’eni.

The Impala Saracens player, son of Kenya legend Max Muniafu, has risen through the ranks, playing for the Kenya U19s and Kenya “A” in previous years.

Simbas’ started on  high playing away making it 12-7 in the 20th minute but in the 26th, Ugandan Phil Wokrach scored a penalty to make it 12-10 and that was the closest the Cranes came to their visitors,

It was a dominating match for the Kenyan side even after Max Adaka was stretchered off Tony Owuor replacing him in the 30th.

Mukidza scored a penalty to make it 15-10 in the 32nd for Paarwater’s men, this was followed by two quick tries making it 29-10 for Shujaas at half time.

Kenya continued with authority Nato Simiyu scoring the first try  in the second half to make it 34-10.

This wasn’t over as entertainment continued to mount  in the stadium as Simiyu made a spectacular cross that embarrassed the Ugandans with its sheer audacity for Mukidza to score and convert to make it 41-10.

Mukidza easily landed his hat trick scoring and converting  his try to make it 48-10 for Shujaa in full time.

The team  now focus on a friendly match against Brazil on June 18, before playing Zimbabwe, Namibia and Uganda for African Supremacy.