Kenya seeks to turn tide in quest for success at Hong Kong Sevens

Kenya's rugby team has posted a series of dismal performances in the last three rounds of the World Series and coach Innocent Simiyu is hopeful his charges will put in a better show in Hong Kong and Singapore legs starting this weekend.

The team, nick named Shujaa, have made it into the Main Cup Quarters only once in the current season, in Cape Town and head into Hong Kong with uncertainty over player allowances and commitment. However the coach is hopeful they will overcome their internal fears and give the world their best ever performance this year.

"We have a few injuries but in terms of preparation we are perfect. We hope to do a bit of adaptation in terms of player position to cover up for the two players who withdrew from the team," said Simiyu.

Kenya will hope for a better performance especially after underperforming in the last tour of Las Vegas and Vancouver. Shujaa will tackle series leaders South Africa, Canada and France in Group B.

The team was forced to make the trip without the service of dependable players Willy Ambaka and Dan Sikuta forcing the coach to call upon Derrick Mayer, who is making his debut in the World Series and Dennis Ombachi, who is returning to the side after a year.

Ambaka's absence will be missed by the team as he has been one of the best performers this season, topping Kenya's scoring in points and tries.

Ambaka has landed 19 tries over the last six legs of the series, making him the ninth overall best try scorer in the series.

"We have to deal with the resources we have. We try to adopt players to cover at least two positions. We lost two forwards and we have to move Ombachi to crop. He has played that position before," said the coach. Endit