Kenya eye better show in New Zealand leg of World Series

Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-29 17:32:48|Editor: Lifang
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NAIROBI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Kenya sevens rugby head coach Innocent Simiyu remained confident that his team would do well in the fourth leg of the World Series in Hamilton, New Zealand this weekend.

Kenya faces an uphill task as it comes up against the former coach Mike Friday who is leading the United States. Kenya is pooled against top seed USA, big boys Samoa, and the in-form Canada in Pool D of the Hamilton Sevens.

"The teams are always the same. They are strong and you must have your best game to sail through to the quarters. I am happy the players are giving their best on the pitch and it will transform into positive results," Simiyu said on Monday.

After the Sydney leg last weekend, Kenya is up two places. Australia emerged victorious with a 29-0 cup final win over South Africa. They collected ten points by virtue of reaching the cup quarterfinals for a tally of 23 points which sees them climbing from 11th to 9th.

In Hamilton Kenya will be looking to add onto the 23 points already amassed in a bid to reach their tally target of 100 points.

Simiyu knows the task that lies ahead and a semifinal spot at the Hamilton Sevens will be a morale booster for the team.

Friday who handled the Shujaa five years ago is credited with nurturing the talent of Willy Ambak, Dan Sikuta, and skipper Oscar Ouma.

Sydney 7s losing finalists South Africa are atop the standings with 58 points, four more than second-placed New Zealand.

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