Shujaa face stern test as Hamilton Sevens kicks off

Samura's Bruce Kurt-Lee stops Francis Humwa (left) of Kenya Shujaa during Safari 7s at RFUEA Grounds. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] during Safari 7s at RFUEA Grounds. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

National Sevens team will be seeking an improved performance as the third round of the 2018-19 World Sevens Series kicks off in Hamilton, New Zealand, tomorrow.

Shujaa, who have managed only two wins from the opening two legs, will parade a relatively inexperienced squad, just as was the case in the opening two legs in Dubai and Cape Town.

In the contingent that traveled to New Zealand, there are five debutants who include William Reeve, Mark Wandetto, Eliakim Kichoi,Harold Anduvate and Brian Wandera.

In addition, four players in Brian Wahinya, Vincent Onyalla, Johnstone Olindi and Daniel Taabu earned their maiden caps only last year.

Despite this, head coach Paul Murunga is optimistic of a good outing.

“The boys are ready to fight for the flag and progress to the cup quarter finals.We won’t limit our expectations just because we have an inexperienced team,” Murunga said before the team left for Hamilton.

Murunga, who was appointed head coach in October last year, said the team will have more young players exposed to the International series as the season progresses. 

“We saw a good number do well during the Cape Town 7s and are looking forward to seeing how the new call ups perform in Hamilton and Sydney,” Murunga said. 

Shujaa have been drawn in pool C alongside  series champions South Africa, Scotland and France.

They have faced France(twice) and Scotland, losing on all occasions.