Bad outing in Dubai as Kenya 7s team goes down in two group stage matches

Nelson Oyoo’s 14th try in World Rugby Sevens series marked the start of Kenya Sevens campaign in the opening game against France in Dubai leg of IRB Sevens Series yesterday.

William Ambaka 66th try guaranteed the Kenyans a 14 - 0 lead within the first two minutes of the game, but Innocent Simiyu’s charges let their lead slip as France responded with two quick tries that exposed Kenya’s weak defense.

A comedy of errors and Kenya’s defensive blunders saw France’s Terry Bouhroua tear Kenya apart and they had no chance of making a comeback. But the Kenyan team put the loss behind them to beat Japan 17:7 in their second match.

Tries from Dan Sikuta, Ambaka and Frank Wanyama gave Kenya their hard-fought win but Australia was waiting to spoil their party in third match. Just after the whistle, Australia’s Ed Jenkins was on the score sheet with his 105th sevens career.

In the second half, Simiyu’s charges struggled as Charlie Taylor punished Kenyans by running in his first-ever Sevens Series try. But right on the stroke of the break William Ambaka touched down again bringing his day’s try count to three to restore the lead.

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However, indecision would see Oyoo fail to make a crucial score and just as the siren sounded, Charlie Taylor made a solo run with the ball with only the referee chasing after him to score the winner for Australia.

The game ended 17 -- 12 in favour of Australia who finished top on Pool D with France too proceeding to the quarterfinals while Kenya’s third place finish will see them play today at 9:17 am in the Challenge Trophy, formerly Bowl Cup.

Meanwhile, a sudden death 17-12 semifinal loss to Belgium curtailed the Kenya Lionesses' ambitions of reaching the Main Cup finals at the Dubai Sevens International Invitational Category.

The Lionesses were caught 12 - 0 down within the opening three minutes of the match. But talented Janet Okello would see Kenya touch down as Celestine Masinde added a second try.

Like their male counterparts, a series of errors saw coach Kevin Wambua’s girls fall short of the Belgian’s speed and tactics.

Elsewhere, South Africa captain Adriaan Strauss underwent back surgery on Thursday and like Springbok winger Ruan Combrinck will miss the start of next year’s Super Rugby competition.

Strauss returned from South Africa’s disappointing November tour of Europe with a pinched nerve in his lower back and was recommended an operation to fix it.

The 31-year old hooker is now expected back in action for the Bulls in March, officials said yesterday

Kenya Sevens collated results: Kenya7s 12-24 France; Kenya7s 17-7 Japan; Kenya7s 12-17 Australia. Lionesses collated results: Kenya 17-12 Belgium; Kenya 14-19 Poland; Kenya 14-7 Tribe; Kenya 20-12 Ireland.