Madagascar scored a try in each half to defeat Kenya’s Lionesses 10-0 and claim their second test victory in five matches at this level in Nairobi on Sunday.
Scrum-half Zaya Fanantenana scored the opening points of the match after making a brilliant blindside break and outpacing the cover to run in a try from halfway.
However, the Lady Makis were unable to post any further points and the result hung in the balance until inspirational captain and outside centre Veronique Rasoanekena (pictured) added to last week’s hat-trick in a 27-15 win with another try in the 68th minute.
While the opening try was about individual skill, Rasoanekena was on the end of a lovely passing move with the ball swiftly transferred left to right through several pairs of hands before reaching her in the wide channel.
With both tries scored tight to the touchline the conversions were always going to be difficult and the Madagascan kicker was unable to turn the five points into seven on each occasion.
Madagascar were awarded 1.05 rating points for the win and that was enough to lift them above Tonga and Zambia and into a best-ever rankings position of 27th in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings.
Kenya stay 25th but there is now less than half a point between the teams.
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