Kenya Lionesses lose to Kazakhstan in WXV 3

Kazakhstan clinched their maiden victory in the WXV 3 competition by standing strong in the face of a late surge from Kenya Lionesses, ultimately triumphing 18-12 in Dubai.

As the runners-up in the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship 2023, Kazakhstan surged to an 18-0 lead at The Sevens Stadium, seemingly in control with less than 14 minutes remaining. However, Kenya launched an unexpected comeback, putting Kazakhstan’s resilience to the test.

Kenya Lionesses lose

This victory propelled Kazakhstan into the fourth spot on the WXV 3 standings, setting the stage for the next clash in Dubai, where Spain will take on Fiji on Friday.

In this crucial encounter, both Kazakhstan and Kenya, having been held scoreless in their debut WXV 3 matches, were eager to make a statement. Ultimately, it was Kazakhstan who emerged victorious in a match that featured a dramatic final few minutes.

Kazakhstan took an early lead, with scrum-half Daiana Kazibekova capitalizing on a gap in the Kenyan defence to score the tournament’s first points for her team. Hooker Moldir Askhat added to the lead, orchestrating a powerful maul and finding the try line with the assistance of her fellow front-row player, Natalya Kamendrovskaya.

The match witnessed a relentless exchange of possession, with neither team able to sustain control for more than a few phases. While Kenya excelled in the scrums, Kazakhstan’s lineout functioned with precision.

The second half commenced with Kenya launching probing attacking plays, but they were thwarted by Kazakhstan’s unyielding defence. The turning point came when a TMO review resulted in Kenya’s Grace Okulu being shown a yellow card in the 49th minute. This temporary advantage allowed Yeva Bekker to cut through the Kenyan defence and extend her team’s lead to 15 points.

Kenya began to find their footing in the latter part of the match, with Esther Juma and Terry Isabwa stretching the Kazakhstan defensive line. Yet, their lack of discipline at the breakdown repeatedly cost them possession.

In the 64th minute, Kazakhstan was awarded a penalty, which Gulim Bakytpek adeptly converted, seemingly securing an unassailable 18-0 lead for her team.

Kenya swiftly responded, with Grace Okulu, back from the sin-bin, acting as a playmaker to set up Stella Wafula for a try. Okulu then added the conversion, narrowing the deficit.

This resurgence injected new energy into the Kenyan squad, and they relentlessly attacked the tiring Kazakhstan defence. Despite their determined efforts, Kazakhstan slowly and steadfastly worked their way up the field, only to fumble a scoring opportunity near the try-line.

Kenya Lionesses surge

Kenya’s persistence eventually paid off as Prisca Nyerere broke free and dashed across the try-line, bringing her team within six points of Kazakhstan.

In the final moments, the Lionesses needed a converted try to secure victory. With seconds left on the clock, Kenya was awarded a penalty advantage near the Kazakhstan try-line.

What followed was a gripping climax, with wave after wave of red-clad players surging forward. However, the ball was ultimately turned over as the clock reached the red zone, confirming Kazakhstan’s hard-earned victory.