NAIROBI, Kenya, February 3 – Kenya face a major physical test on Friday when they line up against Tonga, United States and England at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Wellington Sevens.
In one of their longest tours to date, Benjamin Ayimba’s side will be out to go one further after reaching the main cup semi finals of the first two legs of the IRB Sevens series.
The return of Nondiescripts duo Biko Adema and Ben Nyambu adds much needed experience to the side.
Adema’s decision making and turn of pace is a major boost that will come in handy especially in the pressure filled knockout stages where Kenya came up short both in Dubai and George due to poor decision making.
Mwamba powerhouse Horace Otieno is also expected to play a defining role off the bench with his explosive runs and brute strength which time and time again has gotten his side out of hairy situations.
Kenya Harlequins flyer Sidney Ashioya is another potent impact player who comes on to compliment the sheer pace of last season’s top try scorer Collins Injera.
Injera who currently occupies second spot in this season’s try scoring chart with 12 touchdowns will be a marked man though Kenya’s game plan is still likely to revolve around putting the ball in his hands.
Humphrey Kayange and company take on Tonga in their first Pool C game at 4.06 a.m. Kenya time and will be wary of the imposing South Pacific Islanders who will be out to avenge their 21-14 at the same venue last season.
Kenya’s next match is against the States at 7.02 a.m. in what promises to be another box office smash after the drama that unfolded in their previous encounter in Dubai last year.
The Americans let a 21-0 lead slip allowing their African counterparts to win 31-26 at the death.
Kenya’s last pool match is against is England in what is undoubtedly one of the biggest matches of the day.
The Safaricom Sevens holders have never beaten the defending Wellington champions at the Westpac Trust stadium and have a mammoth task containing the likes of Christian Wade and Jake Abbot.
