Rugby
Ayimba’s giant-killing charges leave mighty Fiji on the ropes
In Summary
- Emotions run high as brilliant Kenya defy odds to send ex-champs packing
Kenya continued to create history at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai when they defeated Fiji 26-7 to romp into the semi-finals and deservedly so.
Watched by a sell-out crowd at the Emirates Sevens ground, Kenya outscored the reigning champions by four tries to one on their way to a first ever last four appearance at the sevens World Cup.
It is also the first time ever for Kenya to defeat the two-time Rugby World Cup Sevens-winning Fiji, who are considered masters of the abridged game, and in so doing ensuring that there will be a new world champion.
“We really focused for this game when we knew we were meeting Fiji in the quarters. We played them in a practice match before the tournament and we knew who to mark out and who too watch. And that is how we went into the game,” Kenya captain, Humphrey Kayange, said.
Earlier 2001 champions New Zealand were bundled out in the quarterfinals 15-14 by an inspired Wales while 1993 champions England also owed out after losing 31-26 in extra time of a dramatic match.
Emotional result
Argentina knocked out South Africa 14-12 with a game winning try from doubles hero Martin Moyano at the death to set up a date with Kenya.
It was a particularly emotional result for Kenya coach Benjamin Ayimba who was in the team that Fiji beat 71-0 way back in 1998 during the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.
“After that game I told myself I will never leave sevens rugby until we beat Fiji and become the world champions,” Ayimba said after Saturday’s famous upset.
“I am so elated I cannot describe how I am feeling,” he said.
Kenya started the game with intensity, hurrying down the Fijians and were rewarded when Lavin Asego picked up a turn over ball to touch down between the post to convert himself for a 7-0 half time lead.
Biko Adema, playing his first match of the tournament, run unchallenged for Kenya’s second after good work by Victor Oduor.
Fiji, looking anything but the sevens magicians, pulled a try back through Orisi Sareki. However, the anticipated revival never materialised as Kenya ran away with the game.
Oduor picked his own kick-and-chase to feed Kayange for Kenya’s third before Injera wrapped up a great win with a try from close range to bring up his tally to five.
Kenya’s tackle rate was 92 percent to illustrate just how they shut out the Fijians.
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