Sevens national team in tricky opener against England
National rugby team Shujaa return to HSBC World Sevens series grinding, resuming the 10-legged odyssey with a crucial clash against England at 2.41am at the FMG Waikato Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand tomorrow.
The Pool B opener of the Hamilton sevens competition will serve as Shujaa’s first match of the year that will also see Shujaa attempt to relive their Cape Town exploits where Shujaa finished Pool D unbeaten and stepped in the main cup quarters where unfortunately a brave Springbokke side eliminated Kenya in home tournament at Cape Town stadium on December 15 2019.
Kenya will be among the 16 contenders who will for the first time need a first pool finish to have a taste of the top four title contention graced by direct semi-finals on the final day that will see losers contest for the bronze medal while the winners battle it out for title.
Kenya will play Japan at 8.08am on Saturday in the second pool match that will now leave Shujaa with a vengeful clash against South Africa at 2.41am on Sunday.
Shujaa is currently positioned 11th with 15 points and is within reach ou up-to a total of four immediate log rivals.
Sitting above Kenya is Ireland with 17 points, 18 points tied Australia and USA and Samoa with 19 points.
As Kenya savoured 11 points in Cape Town last month, Ireland collected 12, ninth placed USA bagged eight points.
Eighth-placed Australia managed five whilst seventh-placed Samoa collected just four to give Shujaa confidence of climbing up the ladder this weekend.
In Cape Town Kenya started off by thrashing Samoa 24-19, beat Australia 12-7 before ending pool action with a 24-24 stalemate against Ireland to proceed to get eliminated by South Africa in the last match of Shujaa in 2019 where Kenya gave away a 5-0 lead to lose 5-17 to the Bokkes.
