USA beat Kenya U20 to reach World U20 Trophy final

Kenya U20 lost their final group-stage of the World U20 Trophy match to the USA in a game played at Hive Stadium in Scotland on Friday, July 12, 2024.

The USA is now just one win away from returning to the World Rugby U20 Championship for the first time since 2013 after booking their place in Wednesday’s World Rugby U20 Trophy final.

Kenya U20 vs USA

This clash marked the first time these sides had met at the U20 Trophy since the 2009 edition when Kenya’s Chipu triumphed 33-32.

Fifteen years later, the rematch began as a tight contest, with neither side registering any points in the first 15 minutes.

Kenya’s breakaway attacks were thwarted by handling errors, while USA’s Oliver Cline missed a penalty attempt. The first score came 16 minutes in, as USA’s Luke Schaefer burst down the middle, setting up Max Threlkeld to dive over for the opening try.

Despite Cline missing the conversion and a subsequent penalty attempt, Tito Edjua stepped up to add points with his left foot.

USA missed several scoring opportunities with botched attacking lineouts. In contrast, Kenya capitalized on their first opportunity, kicking a penalty in the 36th minute after their pack had pushed the Americans back.

Kenya U20 trail

Edjua added another 38-metre penalty early in the second half, followed by Schaefer’s plunge over the line for another try, with Edjua converting to make it 18-3. USA’s dominance grew as Solomon Williams’ decision to probe the blindside led to a try for Keelan Farrell, converted by Edjua.

Rand Santos scored the try bonus point, putting USA in a commanding position. However, Kenya’s Samuel Otete sparked a late resurgence with a brilliant run to the line, followed by a try from replacement Daniel Bett after Otete’s kick ahead. Despite their spirited fightback, time was against Kenya, and USA held on for the win.

Kenya U20 will now compete in the seventh-place final next week, while USA looks ahead to the U20 Trophy final, aiming to secure their first appearance at the World Rugby U20 Championship in over a decade.