Kenya Simbas coach Snook speaks on World Cup chances

What you need to know:

  • Canada, Hong Kong, Germany await.
  • New Zealander coach gives assessment of team after defeat to Namibia in bruising Windhoek tie.

Kenya Simbas coach Ian Snook feels the country can make qualifying for the World Cup a routine matter but must start playing quality matches on a regular basis.

“We need to play against tough teams all the time so as to get better and better. That should be the next step,” said Snook.

Kenya were just one win away from qualifying for their first ever World Cup, needing to beat Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday but came up short falling 53-28 in a tough encounter.

Snook said that Kenya gave a good account of themselves against Namibia where their commitment was evident but played into their rivals’ hands. “Our decision making was also below par,” said Snook.

The Simbas skipper Davis Chenge described the loss as tough for Kenya who had gone into the match with much optimism.

“We gave our all but unfortunately Namibia were better than us as they capitalised on our mistakes to win the game. We did poorly in our line-outs and easily conceded turnovers in the ruck.”

Namibia won the sole automatic slot for Africa to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan while Kenya have another chance to secure a ticket to the Far East through the Repechage, the last qualifying tournament due in November in France.

The Simbas will meet Canada, who have never missed playing in the World Cup since the inaugural 1987 tournament, Hong Kong and Germany for the last remaining spot for the 2019 world event.

Chenge said they have an opportunity to work on their mistakes ahead of the Repechage. “It’s a tough calling but we have enough time and we shall be much better prepared to get the remaining slot.” "He described their opponents in the Repechage as tough and clinical. "We need to keep doing whatever we are doing well.”

Canada finished third in Americas regional qualifier to head to Repechage with United States and Uruguay going through to Japan while Germany lost to Russia in the Europe Regional qualifier.

Hong Kong won Asia cross regional play-off to proceed to Repechage.

Hong Kong, Canada and Namibia are currently placed 21, 22 and 23 respectively in the World Rugby Ranking while Kenya are 28th. Kenya have played Germany once, losing 30-29 in Nairobi last year while they have met Hong Kong five times, losing on three occasions, with one win and a draw.

Hong Kong played Kenya last at the Cup of Nations in December in Hong Kong, winning 40-30 on their way to retaining the trophy.