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Kenya names strong squad for USA, Canada legs of rugby world series

Xinhua, February 23, 2017 Adjust font size:

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. Endit