Battling Kenya through to Wellington 7s Cup quarters

Colins Injera (left) of Kenya jumps for the ball with Kelly Meafua of Samoa in their pool match at the New Zealand Sevens in Wellington on February 7, 2014. Kenya made it to their first main Cup quarterfinals this season when they edged out Samoa and Scotland 28-14 and 19-14 at the Wellington Sevens on February 6, 2015. PHOTO | FILE |

What you need to know:

  • Mwamba trio Dan Sikuta, Collins Injera and Lavin Asego were in their top form to spur the Kenyans
  • Kenya extended their lead to 21-7 at half time with captain Andrew Amonde showing great strength to begin a beautiful offloading move.

Kenya sailed through to their first main Cup quarterfinals this season when they edged out Samoa and Scotland 28-14 and 19-14, respectively, at the Wellington Sevens on Friday.

Mwamba trio Dan Sikuta, Collins Injera and Lavin Asego were in their top form to spur the Kenyans, who had earlier lost to Argentina 7-31 in the first Pool D encounter.

Sikuta touched down a brace of tries while Asego and Injera crossed the line once apiece as the Kenyans rallied from behind 0-7 to go ahead 21-7 before the break en route to their 28-14 win over the Samoans.

Samoa took off to a brilliant start as Samoa Toloa went over with ease. The lead was short-lived as Injera would intercept a pass before chalking the ball to Sikuta, who darted inside to level matters with Asego’s conversion.

EXTENDED THEIR LEAD

Kenya extended their lead to 21-7 at half time, with captain Andrew Amonde showing great strength to begin a beautiful offloading move. Then an interchange between Injera and Asego saw Sikuta go for his brace as Injera also offloaded Billy Odhiambo, who found Asego on the clear for a touchdown.

It was all or nothing in the final seven minutes, with both sides needing a win to harbour Cup hopes. Kenya had the points, however, as stalwart Injera racked up his 190th career try with a crucial score first up.

Scotland beat Argentina 21-14 after waylaying Samoa 14-12 to also join Kenya in the Cup quarterfinals. Kenya meet South Africa in the Cup quarters on Saturday.