Kenya 7s to take on France in Singapore 7s quarters

Kenya will face France in the Main Cup quarterfinals of the Singapore 7s after sneaking through on points difference for the second successive round of the HSBC World Series on Saturday.

Benjamin Ayimba’s side won their Pool C opener against Russia 21-7 before Oscar Ouma cost his side victory when he dropped the ball after crossing the line in an attempt to pass it to Collins Injera in their 12-12 draw with Scotland in the second clash.

South Africa, who alongside France were the only side to register three victories in the pool stages then beat Shujaa 14-0 in the final game.

The Blitzbokke will play New Zealand in the last eight after wins against Scotland, Russia and Kenya.

Kenya made their way through on points difference over Scotland having played out a 12-12 draw despite the 14-0 defeat to their African neighbours. Seabelo Senatla scored four for the Blitzboks on day one including his 50th of the season.

France will face Kenya in the quarter finals after finishing top of Pool B thanks to 19-17 and 26-19 victories aginst the USA and Canada with Virimi Vakatawa scoring in all three matches, notching up his 50th career try on the way.

Against Russia, Kenya started the match on a slow pace attempting several attacks which the Russians were quick to counter.

Despite a shaky start with several errors Ayimba’s side got back to their feet as they stormed their way into the 22 yard Russian area forcing their opponents to a wide out play.

Veteran Humphrey Khayange gave Kenya the lead for his 155th try in the third minute with Sammy Oliech scoring the extras from a tight angle. Both teams would go into half time with Kenya leading 7-0.

In the second match, Oliech received a brilliant pass from skipper Andrew Amonde and made his way down the middle leaving the Russians flat footed as he touched down his fourth try in his nascent World Series career before coolly converting to make it 14-0.

Willy Ambaka touched down his 57th try in the series after a superb exchange with Eugene Aringo.

Despite a late rally from the Russians, the national team held on to their lead even after Vladimir Ostroushko gave his side a consolation and his 82nd career try for the full time score of 21-7.

In the second match, Scotland took a 5-0 lead before Kenya got their first real chance when Injera made a quick dash from the left wing only to be tackled for a line out.

Kenya continued with their attack from the flanks with Injera off loading the ball to Ayodi who made a brilliant dash for the try line but his pass to Injera was intercepted in a reckless mistake that ultimately cost his side victory.

Khayange dashed down the half way line for the whitewash then quickly off loaded to Ambaka for his 68th series try. The two teams would go into half time, Kenya with a narrow 7-5 lead.

In the second half, captain Amonde found a hole in the Scots defence and touched down for his third try of the season.

Scotland then got a lifeline deep into second half levelling matters 12-12 as Kenya missed the chance to book their ticket to the last eight outright.