Rugby Super Series: Rhinos, Cheetahs pick wins in opening round

The Lions showcased their strength, overpowering the Rhinos with a 29-7 victory at the Rugby Super Series held at the RFUEA Grounds.

Coach Oliver Mang’eni’s Lions stormed to a commanding 22-0 lead before halftime, effectively controlling the match.

Rugby Super Series dominance

The early dominance came through first-half tries by Givens Onyango, co-captain Obat Kuke, and Felix Ojoo, with two successful conversions and a penalty kick adding to the lead.

In the second half, the Lions continued their charge. Emmanuel Opondo's try, with an added conversion by Namusasi, extended their lead to 29-0, indicating that the Lions had firmly grasped control of the match.

However, the Rhinos, coached by Callum Oliver, showed resilience in the final quarter. A yellow card for Eliakim Kichoi reduced the Lions to 14 players, giving the Rhinos a glimmer of hope.

Despite a few promising plays, the Rhinos' attack was stifled by handling errors, including a crucial knock-on.

Nevertheless, Sheldon Kahi broke through to score a try in the last 10 minutes, with Evin Asena adding the conversion. Despite their best efforts, the Rhinos couldn't breach the Lions' defense again, ending the game 29-7.

In another match, the Cheetahs overcame the Buffaloes in a muddy encounter to claim a 21-10 victory.

The Cheetahs took a 15-5 lead at halftime and held firm in the second half to maintain their advantage. Quinto Ongo contributed with two penalty kicks and a conversion, while Clinton Juma and Celestine Mboi each scored tries. Collins Indeche's try was the only scoring effort for the Buffaloes.

Following these results, the Lions lead the Rugby Super Series standings with a bonus point. The Cheetahs are in second place with four points, while the Buffaloes and Rhinos sit in third and fourth places, respectively.

Rugby Super Series

Saturday May 4, 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi

Buffaloes v Cheetahs | 12.00pm

Lions v Rhinos | 3.00pm

Saturday May 11, 2024 | Nakuru Athletic Club, Nakuru

Buffaloes v Rhinos | 2.00pm

Cheetahs v Lions | 4.00pm

Saturday May 18, 2024 | The Bullring, Kakamega

Eagles v Jaguars | 12.00pm (Women’s Fixture)

Rhinos v Cheetahs | 2.00pm

Buffaloes v Lions | 4.00pm

Saturday May 25, 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi

Jaguars v Eagles | 12.00pm (Women’s Fixture)

Rank 3 v Rank 4 | 2.00pm

Rank 1 v Rank 2 | 4.00pm