Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja says they must improve their execution in the setpiece and defence after losing 77-12 to South Africa in a build-up match in Cape Town on Saturday.
Mwanja said after a strong first half where his charges trailed 24-12, they did not play to their strengths in the second, conceding 54 points in a one-sided display.
“We were good in the first half but the second did not go according to plan. We have learnt some harsh lessons about international test rugby,” noted Mwanja.
The KCB assistant coach said they will focus on addressing the scrum, lineout and defending the maul where the hosts obliterated them in the second half.
"The foundation of every strong 15s team is the setpiece. If you did not get it right then you get punished,” noted Mwanja.
The tactician said the girls must learn to play with intensity for eighty minutes, not for just one half.
“Our physicality and intensity went down in the second half and it's something we must address if we are to match the big teams,” added Mwanja.
This was the fourth win for the Springbok women's team over Kenya following two victories in 2021 in Stellenbosch South Africa where they won 66-0 and 29-22.
Kenya also fell 48-0 to the South Africans during the Africa Cup tournament in Madagascar in May.
The Lionesses are in South Africa to prepare for the WXV 3 tournament slated for Dubai in October where they will face Spain, Kazakstan and Colombia.
Kenya's try scorers were Diana Kemunto and Stella Wafula with Grace Odhimabo kicking over a conversion.
The hosts scored 12 tries with Veroeshka Grain scoring a hatrick while Nompumeleleo Mathe and Roseline Botes added a brace each.
Also on the score sheet with a try each were Siazo Mcatuslwa, Yonela Ngxingolo, Byrhandre Dolf, Daniel Lochiner, Umathi Male and flyhalf Libbie Van Rensburg, who added five conversions.
The Lionesses play the San Clemente Rhinos this weekend.
