NAIROBI, Kenya, February 4 – National sevens winger Horace Otieno has picked up an ankle injury ahead of this weekend’s International Rugby Board (IRB) Wellington Sevens.
Otieno picked up the knock during Kenya’s warm up matches against Niue, Cook Islands and the Arabian Gulf and is closely being assessed by the team physio.
Coach Benjamin Ayimba had a chance to test the different combinations he might use in the tournament and was delighted with the form the team displayed with two days left to the start of the tourney.
“We had already done enough at home but it is only when the players step on the pitch here (Westpac Stadium) that you know what to expect,” said Ayimba.
Definitely, the combinations are working and I have a good idea on who will be starting against Tonga, Scotland and South Africa,” he added.
The captain’s run was due to be held today before the city parade where all 16 teams will be introduced and showcase their cultural heritage to the Wellington public.
“It is a rare opportunity to display what we have,” said team manger and former Kenya winger Oscar Osir.
Osir also admitted that the effects of the three-day flight to Wellington had taken its toll on the players. “We were a bit rusty against Niue in the opening few minutes but won in the end,” said Osir.
Kenya won all of their warm up matches,which also the return of fly half Peter Ocholla, and managed to score six tries and concede one in all of their matches “We gave Ocholla a run and though he is still not 100 percent fit. He is getting there,” added Osir.
The former captain noted that Sidney Ashioya was back to his sharp self and it is possible he will be given ‘airtime’.
Kenya open their Wellington account against Tonga at 4.50 a.m. and then play Scotland, who they have already beaten twice this season at 7.46 followed by current series leaders South Africa at 9.34 a.m.
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