Kenya are one step away from 2015 World Cup qualification after defeating Madagascar 34-0 in Antananarivo.

The east Africans have never qualified for rugby's showpiece event before, but if they manage to avoid defeat in the final qualifying round on Sunday they'll create history by booking their place in England.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe went down 24-20 to Namibia in the opening match on Wednesday, leaving three teams with a mathematical possibility of finishing top. The final matches will see Kenya face Zimbabwe, while perennial World Cup qualifiers Namibia come up against Madagascar.

The Welwitchias of Namibia will need to record a big win against bottom-placed Madagascar and hope that other results go their way if they are to progress directly.

The runners-up, though, will still have a chance of qualifying via the Repechage, where Russia, Uruguay and Hong Kong lie in wait.

Photo: IRB.com