NAIROBI, Kenya, March 28- Kenya have slipped to seventh place in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens standings despite clinching eight more points in the Hong Kong Sevens.
Its back to the drawing board as far is Kenya is concerned after another disappointing outing at the Hong Kong stadium on Sunday.
Benjamin Ayimba’s side who were relegated to the plate competition after losing to New Zealand in the main cup quarters on Sunday lost their rematch against South Africa 19-12.
Victor Sudi put Kenya ahead with a typical bulldozing converted try but the Springboks came back with a swift riposte through Chase Minaar.
The second half was full of high drama with the pendulum swung both ways as both African nations tried to save face after being knocked out of the prestrigous main cup.
Paul Treu’s team pinned laid siege on Kenya’s line early in the second half and stretched the defence to the far side.
Bok ace Cecil Afrika linked up with his halfback partner Branco Du Preez down the short side and the scrum half sliced through the Kenyan defence to score.
Substitute Horace Otieno lived up to his reputation as an impact player with another spectacular try that kept Kenya in the contest.
The Mwamba flyer gathered a long pass in his half and shrugged off two tackles to sprint the length 50 metres to score in the corner tying the game 12-12 with seconds remaining.
Indiscipline in the end proved to be Kenya’s undoing this time round when Lavin Asego was sent to the sin bin for not rolling away in the tackle.
From the penalty, Du Preez launched a cross field that was gathered by Bok stalwart Mpho Mbiyozo who dotted down in the corner and drawing the curtains on Kenya’s tour.
