Menengai coach Weru tells Chipu to oil their set pieces at the World Rugby U20 Trophy
![Menengai coach Weru tells Chipu to oil their set pieces at the World Rugby U20 Trophy Menengai coach Weru tells Chipu to oil their set pieces at the World Rugby U20 Trophy](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/93387/conversions/Kenya-Chipu-Barthes-Cup-og_image.webp)
Kenya Chipu Kenya Wyclif Ogutu take on Uganda during the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy Fourth Quarterfinal at the Nyayo National Stadium on April 22, 2023. Photo/Sportpicha
Menengai Oilers RFC head
coach Gibson Weru has faulted the national U20 team, Chipu, for their
inefficient play in set pieces which he says cost them the game against Netherlands
at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland.
Chipu were hammered 51-3 by
the Dutch in their second pool match having lost 25-7 in their opening game
against Uruguay, and Weru says the team needs to do more to improve on their
set pieces.
“From what I saw I think we
struggled in the line outs and set pieces are a big part of the game, and we
could not gain an ascendancy defensively and at the same time during our
attacks. We struggled in the line outs and that made us lose a lot of
possession. Again, from my own perspective the kicking game was not where it's
supposed to be," said Weru.
Noting how crucial set
pieces are in rugby, Weru says it is the weapon that Netherlands used to slay
Simon Jawichre’s boys.
“I think Netherlands had a
very good kicking game which put us under so much pressure and we ended up
losing possession. Rugby is a game of playing with the ball and we didn’t adapt
to playing without the ball, so we really struggled and I think they
(Netherlands) had a game plan that worked for them,” noted Weru.
The former Kenyan
international further says that the team needs consistent training in camp to help
them harness its potential.
“It’s not a matter of being
in camp for three weeks, it’s a matter of being in camp for a long duration of
time. If they are elite players then three weeks would be sufficient, but these
are young boys who develop over time, so they need to be in camp continuously
over a period of time. If we can have them in camp for at least six months then
maybe that can translate to a result; and then making sure we play competitive
games,” said the Oilers tactician.
“But I must say the caliber
of players they have in that cohort is quite special and they need to be
nurtured. If you look at most of them, they are playing in the Kenya Cup and
they need to play at that level so that they can be able to compete a little
bit better,” he added.
Kenya will take on USA on
Friday, July 12, at 4.30pm East African Time in their final group match game
and will hope things work in their favor if they are to win at least a single
match in the tournament.
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