NAIROBI, Kenya, January 25- Kenya Sevens scrumhalf Gibson Weru is confident his team will make their mark over the next two legs of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens Series.
Weru told Capital Sport on Tuesday that poor preparation was the primary catalyst for their lackluster performance in Dubai and George and are hoping for a quick turnaround in the upcoming tour.
“I think we did not prepare well for the first two legs and most of the key players were also not available but I think that should not be an issue. But we have prepared well this time round,” said Weru.
Benjamin Ayimba’s side failed to collect a point from the first two legs only managing to reach two shield finals and winning one in the process.
“We’ve been working hard since December. We’ve done our conditioning and now we’re just fine tuning,” said the veteran Nakuru halfback.
“We’ve prepared well. Now it’s up to us to fly the Kenyan flag high,” he added.
In Wellington, Weru and company face a lethal southern hemisphere cocktail of Samoa, Australia and Tonga while a week later in Vegas, they take on the ever potent New Zealand, world champions Wales and the unpredictable Uruguay.
“The pool in Wellington is quite tough and physical but I’m sure we will perform well, make the main cup quarter finals and aim higher from there,” said Weru.
Collins Injera, Biko Adema and Lavin Asego have been recalled to the side while Kenya 15s duo Lawrence Buyachi and Oscar Ouma have been drafted into the side.
Weru believes that inclusion of Buyachi and Ouma will provide a hard edge.
“Oscar (Ouma) has been in the Shujaa side for the last two years. He’s a utility player, quite explosive, fast and physical. He will bring a lot to the team. And Buyachi (Lawerence) is a strong ball carrier. He will add impetus to the forward play,” said Weru.
Kenya departs for New Zealand on Saturday morning. The Wellington leg takes place on February 4-5 while the Vegas extravaganza will be held on February 12-13.
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