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Brave Kenya go out in semis
What you need to know:
- Ayimba’s charges see off Australia in the quarters before losing to lucky New Zealand
Kenya braved an explosive onslaught from New Zealand before losing 14-17 in the semi-finals of the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens in George on Saturday.
Benjamin Ayimba’s charges, exhibiting power combined with skill, powered to the lead twice before unforced errors cost them their second appearance in the final.
Nevertheless, it was a good run for the Kenyans who reached five Cup semis since last season. Skipper Humphrey Kayange put them ahead with a kick off try after just 11 seconds for Lavin Asego to convert.
Although Kenya employed some great defesinve skills, All Black were too powerful to level the proceedings with Lote Raikabula try that was converted by Tomasi Cama.
Kart Baker try gave them the lead before Kenya unleashed some sublime passes to break through All Blacks defence before Gibson Weru crossing over to lead 14-12 at half time.
The ever improving Kenya produced a master piece to see off young Australia 24-12 for a an explosive cup semi-final against New Zealand.
The Kenya Airways-sponsored side was clinical in the first half to touch down two tries through Victor Oduor and kicking specialist Lavin Asego, who managed to convert one.
Continental supremacy
Speedster Collins Injera then scored his tournament’s sixth try that went unconverted before Oduor drilled a double that Asego converted.
The Wallabies woke up to some flashes of brilliance with two quick touchdowns by through Pat McCutcheon and Shaun Foley but it fell short of the target even as Foley converted one.
Kenya were due to face last weekend’s Dubai Sevens winners New Zealand in the Cup semi-finals while Fiji were up against Argentina in the other semi.
On day one, the continental supremacy battle ended in a stalemate when Kenya and South Africa locked at 12-12 although the side topped to meet Australia in the main Cup quarterfinals.
The Springboks were not lucky as they relinquished a second Cup title of the season after losing to Fiji 21-17 to cap a superb hour-and-a-half of knock-out action at the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens. In front of a partisan and expectant home crowd, the Boks trailed 14-5 at the break.
