MOSCOW – It was a tough World Cup debut for the Philippines as it was hammered, 45-5, by Kenya in their opening pool game.
Kenya led 14-5 at the break after being down to six men after Willy Ambaka was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle. But despite superiority in numbers, the Philippines failed to take advantage and the only bright moment in the first half came when Gareth Holgate stretched to plant a try from close range.
Brothers Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera led the procession to the try-line in the second half as Kenya added another five tries to the two in the first half to run out comfortable winners.
“It was a tough lesson first-up for us,†said Philippines captain Michael Letts. “We knew it would be hard for they are one of the top teams in the world but it can only get better from here.
“It was always going to be difficult for us as we have had limited preparation, coming together just three weeks ago and from all parts of the world. But all credit to the boys for they dug deep and didn’t give up,†Letts added.
Kenyan coach Mike Friday was reasonably happy with the outing but wasn’t reading too much into it.
“They made it hard for us in the first three or four minutes but once we settled into our rhythm it got better,†Friday said. “Also considering that we were down to six men for two minutes it was a good result.â€