NAIROBI, October 9 – The national sevens rugby team has been handed a tricky assignment at the George leg of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Series where they have drawn in Pool D with Samoa, Wales and Portugal.
The draw is a major step up from the preceding tournament in Dubai where Kenya is in Pool B with South Africa, Scotland and Arabian Gulf.
National coach Benjamin Ayimba told Capital Sport that the pool is an acid test for his side as each of the teams are strong.
“It’s a very tough pool since all the teams are capable of reaching the quarter finals of the main cup,” said Ayimba.
Its going to be very difficult especially against Wales who are a very good side and Portugal always raise their game against us,” he added.
Kenya won the plate in last year’s tourney after edging out United States 15-14 in a tense and physical encounter.
Hosts South Africa have an equally tough task in the resort town where they clash with Australia, United States and the physical Georgians in Pool B.
World champions Fiji will dominate proceedings in Pool C which has Argentina, Scotland and a second African country.
Top seeds and defending series champions New Zealand will be looking to impose themselves in Pool A despite the presence of England and France and a third African country.
The George leg will be held on Dec 5-6.
Pools:
Pool A: New Zealand, England, France, Africa 3
Pool B: South Africa, Australia, USA, Georgia
Pool C: Fiji, Argentina, Scotland, Africa 2
Pool D: Samoa, Kenya, Wales, Portugal
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