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By John Kwoba NAIROBI (Xinhua) --
Kenya seeks to boost its performance at the third and
fourth rounds of the Rugby World Series in Las Vegas and Vancouver
next month.
Head coach Innocent Simiyu is pushing for a compact team in defence
as he targets to bag maximum points and boost the country’s
standing.
The coach has recalled Oscar Ayodi, who makes his first series
appearance this season, and Frank Wanyama returning to the squad
after Dubai and Cape Town legs. They replace Brian Tanga and Oscar
Ouma.
“Oscar and Frank have responded well to training and make the final
cut. We are in an exciting pool in Vegas and look forward to
qualifying and challenging for the cup,” said Simiyu, Thursday in
Nairobi.
After registering mixed results at the start to the season, Kenya is
lying 11th with 27 points as the team struggles to
replicate its form last season.
Kenya is in the same pool with giants New Zealand, Argentina and
Russia. Only the best two sides will proceed to the Main Cup
quarters.
“We don’t expect an easy ride at this level of competition. New
Zealand and Argentina have always been hard nuts to crack and Russia
are coming up strongly and will be tricky opponent,” he said.
Kenya starts its Las Vegas campaign against New Zealand on March 4
and later takes on Argentina before clearing its group stage matches
against the Russians.
Following is the Kenyan team:
Andrew Amonde, Willy Ambaka, Dan Sikuta, Frank Wanyama, Bush Mwale,
Sammy Oliech, Eden Agero, Leonard Mugaisi, Augustine Lugonzo, Nelson
Oyoo, Oscar Ayodi, Billy Odhiambo and Collins Injera. |
