Kenya pick 10 points in Paris, fail to extend Singapore success
Kenya's Collins Injera (left) evades a tackle during a HSBC Paris Sevens Series rugby match between Kenya and New Zealand at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris on May 14, 2016. Kenya collected 10 points from Paris IRB series leg. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Kenya stayed seventh but with an enhanced tally of 95 points going into the last leg of the series in London this weekend.
- Australia dominated possession as Con Foley tore through Kenya’s defence to score two tries before Ed Jenkins scored their third try for a 21-0 lead at the break.
- Kenya had lost to hosts France 5-24 in Cup quarterfinals to drop to Plate.
- Australia lost to Fiji 15-17 in the other Cup quarters clash where big wigs New Zealand and South Africa also suffered stunning defeats to Argentina and Samoa 19-17 and 21-10 respectively.
There was no repeat of Singapore Sevens success for Kenya at the Paris leg after they lost to Australia to 7-26 in the Plate semi-finals on Sunday. The Kenyans collected 10 points for their World Rugby Sevens Series.
The results, however, did not improve their status in the World Rugby Sevens Series standing as the Benjamin Ayimba charges stayed seventh but with an enhanced tally of 95 points going into the last leg of the series in London on May 21-22, 2016. Kenya will once again face France, Scotland and Portugal in Pool 'C' of the London Sevens.
Australia dominated possession as Con Foley tore through Kenya’s defence to score two tries before Ed Jenkins sprinted through a gaping hole in the Kenya defence to score their third try for a 21-0 lead at the break.
Kenya, the Singapore Sevens champions, started the second half in much better side following the introduction of Robert Aringo as a half-time replacement. The east Africans deservedly got the first try of the second half through Billy “The Kid” Odhiambo.
As time ran out for Kenya, Australia, who were ruthless at the rucks, forced a penalty at the breakdown before Henry Hutchison dived over in the corner to seal their victory.
Kenya had lost to hosts France 5-24 in Cup quarterfinals to drop to Plate. Australia lost to Fiji 15-17 in the other Cup quarters clash where big wigs New Zealand and South Africa also suffered stunning defeats to Argentina and Samoa 19-17 and 21-10 respectively.
TRAILED FRANCE
Terry Bouhraoua and Virimi Vakatawa sent their fans into raptures when they combined to score against Kenya but Collins Injera outsmarted Vakatawa, freed his arms before setting up Odhiambo who crossed the line to bring Kenya back into the match.
Samuel Oliech failed to convert as they trailed France 5-7 after the first session, losing possession especially at the break downs.
Kenya were outmuscled from their rucks as Pierre Gillies Lakafia powered through before he was brought down. But he still put through Bouhraoua, who spilled a difficult pass with the line at his mercy. Bouhraoua, however, atoned for the error when he tore through before passing the ball to Manoel Dall Igna who scored. Vakatawa proved a thorn in Kenya’s flesh when he weaved through to score their third try for a 17-5 lead.
There was no stopping Pierre Gillies Lakafia this time as the big man finished off yet another turnover with a 40-metre sprint to the line.
