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Colombia made history today in Nairobi. Las Tucanes defeated Kenya 16-15 in a sudden-death Women’s Rugby World Cup qualifier. The result sees Colombia making history as Las Tucanes advance to join Samoa, Europe 2 and Asia 2 in Repechage. The winner of the Repechage tournament will qualify for the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Colombia’s win against Kenya was monumental. The committed South Americans won on the road. The match was a one-off with no return fixture. Las Tucanes’ only opportunity was a win today.
A strong start from Las Tucanes saw Colombia leading6-0. María Arzuaga landed two penalties. Arzuaga then scored the game’s opening try. The 32nd minute try put Colombia in a commanding 11-0 lead.
However, with half-time approaching the home side struck back. Kenya’s converted try made it a four point deficit at half time. Colombia deserved the half-time lead, though the job was far from done.
Kenya came out firing in the second half. Their strong start saw them on top of the Colombians and ahead on the score sheet. A try and a penalty gave the Kenyans a 15-11 lead.
All of a sudden Colombia’s strong opening half had been erased; Kenya were leading and on course to advance in RWC qualifying. However, with Colombia able to play smart rugby the Kenyans lost two players to second half yellow cards. Colombia converted the advantage into a try. It gave them a one point lead with Arzuaga again scoring.
The win will be celebrated throughout South America. Colombia is now into the final phrase of RWC 2022 qualifying. The prize for the Repechage winner is a place in Pool A against New Zealand, Australia and Wales. Canada and the USA have both qualified. They will square-off in Pool D. The Pool also contains Europe 1 and Asia 1.
🇨🇴🌟¡GANOOO COLOMBIA! @fecorugby se clasificó al Torneo Clasificatorio Final para la #RWC2021
Resultado Final 🇨🇴16-15🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/OVVr7ot3Ye
— RugbyPass ES (@RugbyPass_ES) August 25, 2021
