NAIROBI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will guard against complacency as they play against Uganda on Tuesday in 2019 Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The four-nation tournament features Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Madagascar, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Kenya started the campaign with a 35-5 win over Madagascar and will take on Uganda on Tuesday before they wind up their glory chase against South Africa on Saturday.
Kenya captain Philadelphia Orlando said they will not be complacent despite beating Uganda in the regional Elgon Cup tournament played in Nairobi and Kampala.
"It is going to be a difficult match for us. Madagascar came so hard on us in the first 20 minutes and we also expect the same from Uganda. However, we will remain patient in defense and attack," she said on Sunday. "We must grow into the game and secure the ultimate win."
"We have to work on how we start our matches because we are not happy with how we played in the opening stages of the game against Madagascar. It is important to improve on that ahead of the next game."
Madagascar showed good intent on the attack in the first half of their match against Kenya, making several line breaks in the process, working their way close to the try line on several occasions. Kenya, however, did well to shut them out in defense during the first quarter.
Uganda coach Edgar Lemerigar is confident his team will bounce back against Kenya. Uganda lost to South Africa in the open game 89-5.
"You could see the element of intimidation from the girls, but in the second half, they put up a better show in terms of defending and realignment," said Lemerigar. "Going forward we can beat Kenya. We just have to fix the errors which we made against South Africa."
The next games will be played on Tuesday with South Africa facing Madagascar, while Uganda takes on their neighbors Kenya.
The top-ranked team in the group after three rounds of matches will be crowned champions of the 2019 Rugby Africa Women's Cup and will qualify for the Women's Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand in 2021.
