Kenya Simbas maul Super Barbarians

The Kenya Rugby 15s team, Simbas earned their second win of their South African tour with a nail-biting 27-24 victory over Super Barbarians Rugby on Tuesday, 24 June, in Limpopo.

In a pulsating build-up clash ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, the national 15s side showed flashes of brilliance and intent to win the game.

The Simbas got off the blocks quickest - Timothy Omela finishing off a slick attacking move to score the opening try - in the 10th minute and converting it for a 7-0 lead. Patrick Sabaitia added a second try shortly after, with Kenya dominating early at 12-0.

Though the Barbarians responded through a maul try and ramped up intensity, Kenya extended their lead to 17-5 by halftime with another well-worked try off the lineout.

The second half saw momentum swing as Kenya’s errors gifted the hosts opportunities. Two quick tries by the Barbarians brought the score to 24-19, but the Simbas struck back with a brilliant interception by Omela that set up Andycolle Omollo’s try.

A late penalty by Omela made it 27-19, just enough to edge out a final Barbarians try that narrowed the margin to three points.

The Simbas, who had drawn with SWD Eagles and suffered defeats to South Africa U20 and Sanlam Boland earlier in the tour, now head into their final friendly against Limpopo with a lift in confidence.

Coach Jerome Paarwater will be encouraged by the fighting spirit and improved finishing as the team shifts focus to the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda this July, which also doubles up as the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

For a squad balancing rebuilding and preparation, this win offers a timely reminder of the potential within Kenya’s 15s rugby. With one final test ahead, the Simbas will look to close their South African chapter on a high.