World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023 – HKCR vs Kenya Preview

Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) U20s take on Kenya in their final pool match on Tuesday 25th July 2023, looking for a maiden victory in the U20 World Rugby Trophy, with both sides coming off losses in the previous round of matches.

HKCR put in a much better performance against Samoa despite losing 27-30 and will hope they can overcome the hosts who have also lost to both Samoa and Spain. This match will also be the first time in history the two sides have played at this level.

Hong Kong China U20s coach Logan Asplin said after the Samoan loss; “The performance and the execution of the game plan today was spot on; it was just a few moments and decisions in the late game that didn’t go our way. Our first half was awesome. Our ball control and kick pressure was excellent and our set piece was working efficiently. We did enough right throughout to win it, but credit to Samoa, they are a momentum team and those last 10 minutes were massive and hard to stop.

Asplin has made four changes to his starting XV, with three in the forwards and one in the backs. TK Yamauchi and Dave Bennet come into the side at hooker and tight-head, and blindside flanker Dom Hedley is selected to start. At scrum-half, Camil Cheung starts and partners Jules Bourron at ten. HKCR captain remains number eight, Tyler McNutt.

Kenyan Head Coach Curtis Aluoch has brought back Eddy Wambugu to the match-day squad and the fly-half is one of two changes to the starting XV, with Alvin Mwamburi slotting into the midfield in place of the injured Felix Chacha.

Victory for either team should see them finish third in the pool and in contention for the fifth-place playoff next Sunday, whereas a loss will see either side contest the seventh-place playoff.

Tevita Rokovereni (Fiji) is the match referee.

• Tuesday 25th July 2023 – Hong Kong China U20 v Kenya U20 KO 12pm (local time)

The winner of the eight-team tournament will be promoted to the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2024.

World Rugby U20 Trophy Match 3

Hong Kong China Squad versus Kenya – 25 July 2023

There is some pedigree heritage in the U20 squad as Joe Denmark, brother of sevens star Max, and Adam Baber, son of Olympic gold medal-winning coach Gareth are both in the Trophy playing squad, although Adam is not in the 23 set to face Kenya.

Kenya squad versus Hong Kong China – 25 July 2023

15. Faran Juma, 14. Victor Odhiambo, 13. Alvin Mwamburi, 12. Mike Wamalwa (captain), 11. James Olela, 10. Eddy Wambugu, 9. Patrick Wainaina, 1. Geylord Ngasi, 2. George Otieno, 3. Mike Oduor, 4. Edmund Omondih, 5. Andy Cole Omolo, 6. Laban Kipsang, 7. Vincent Omondi, 8. Jacktone Omondi

Reserves 16. Jeremy Odhiambo, 17. Brian Makaya, 18. Raymond Chacha, 19. Stanslous Shikoli, 20. James Tsinalo, 21. Brian Mwendwa, 22. Spencer Davies, 23. Raphael Wanga

Image Credit: Kenya Rugby Union

How To Watch the 2023 World Rugby U2o Trophy

All matches will be streamed live on Rugby Africa and Kenya Rugby social platforms.

Rugby 2023 Tournament News

• We speak with HKCR U20 Head Coach Logan Asplin.
• World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023 – HKCR vs Spain Preview.
• HSBC SVNS 2023-2024.
• WXV – A Complete 2023 Guide