Injera back for Kenya ahead of NZ, Australia tours

Current world rugby sevens all-time leading try scorer Collins Injera has been recalled into the national rugby sevens team that was named on Wednesday morning at the Kenya Rugby Union grounds  as Head Coach Innocent Simiyu made five changes to the squad heading for the third and fourth legs in New Zealand and Australia.

Injera missed the first two rounds in Dubai and Cape Town where Kenya amassed 17 points in total after reaching the challenge trophy semifinal in Dubai and their sixth place finish in South Africa.

Simiyu is confident the flyer’s inclusion will give his charges the much-needed firepower.

“He meets the standards in terms of fitness it’s a no brainer he’s one player every coach would want to have him in their team, “ Simiyu told Citizen Digital.

Nakuru RFC’s juggernaut and powerhouse Oscar Ouma who was plagued by injury early last season is also back in the fray after sitting out the South Africa and the Middle East stops.

The burly forward renowned for his powerful runs and exceptional ball carrying skills will test the opponents defenses in Wellington and Sydney but the technical bench will use his abilities sparingly.

“Oscar Ouma is not at 100 percent he is getting there for us, we will manage the amount of game time he has but we thought it prudent to bring him in,” Simiyu added.

Martin Owila, Cyprian Kuto and Frank Wayama have been dropped and replaced by Homeboyz RFC’S Bush Mwale with Impala Saracens Sammy Oliech and Kenya Harlequins Eden Agero being named. The two fly-halves are experienced kickers and their abilities in front of goal will be a valuable asset after Kenya’s kicking deficiencies were exposed in Cape Town and Dubai.

“As for Oliech and Eden, there is a certain output we are looking at, especially game management and kicking, they are our best kickers,” Simiyu offered.

In Wellington, Kenya face Capetown Sevens cup winners England, Argentina and Papua New Guinea.

The team will travel on Sunday, January 22.

TRAVELLING TEAM

Andrew Amonde (Captain), Willy Ambaka, Oscar Ouma, Dan Sikuta, Bush Mwale, Brian Tanga, Leonard Mugaisi, Eden Agero, Augustine Lugonzo, Sammy Oliech, Billy Odhiambo, Collins Injera, Nelson Oyoo

Management: Innocent Simiyu (Head Coach), Ian Gibbons (S&C), Lameck Bogonko (Physio), Erick Ogweno (Team Manager), William Webster (Kicking Consultant)