TOO LITTLE TOO LATE: Hong Kong Sevens Win over France not enough for Kenya

Nelson Oyoo of Kenya (L) is tackled by Cecil Afrika of South Africa on the second day of the Rugby Sevens Tournament in Hong Kong on April 8, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Anthony WALLACE

Kenya Sevens national team finally found their feet after a shocking start in Hong Kong.

Already reduced to the Challenge Trophy, Kenya made their game against France yesterday look easy, giving hope to the fans as within the first three minutes, France were yet to complete even a pass.

Frank Wanyama’s try followed by a conversion from Samuel Oliech set the pace in a match that coach Innocent Simiyu’s boys controlled from the first whistle.

Dennis Ombachi then took nothing to chance to cement Kenya’s lead.

Everything looked easy for Shujaa thanks to constant missed tackles from the French.

A surprise try from Jean-Pascal Barraque prompted Wanyama’s quick reaction with single effort try to ensure Kenya’s 17-5 lead at the breather.

In the second half, the ever-fresh Eden Agero did not disappoint thanks to a superb team work that saw him cross the try line for his fifth try of his HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series career. Jonathan Laugel’s try proved too little too late for France instead, Billy ‘the kid’ Odhiambo produced a cracker with what has become his trade mark style of running and beat the helpless French defense to wrap up a deserved win and a consolation for Kenya.

Earlier yesterday, Kenya were no match for current series leaders South Africa.

The Blitzboks not only looked more focused but also produced the series’ best tacklers so far.

Werner Kok made a sensational turnover that Chris Dry picked up and offloaded for Philip Snyman to land a third try for the South Africans.