POOL OF DEATH

Shujaa face Fiji ,France and Wales in tricky pool in Toulouse Sevens

Skipper Nelson Oyoo said the side will need to concentrate their energies on the World Cup qualifiers starting on Saturday in Kampala.

In Summary

•It will be a stern test for Innocent Simiyu's charges who will open their French adventure with a tough tie against the free-scoring Fijians who thrashed them 38-7 in Vancouver.

•Shujaa are likely to have Alvin “Buffa” Otieno and Johnston Olindi for the qualifiers with three teams qualifying for the World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa in September. 

Kenya Sevens' vice captain Jeff Oluoch heads for the try-line against Wales at the Malaga Sevens in Spain over the weekend
Kenya Sevens' vice captain Jeff Oluoch heads for the try-line against Wales at the Malaga Sevens in Spain over the weekend
Image: HANDOUT

After a dismal performance in Vancouver, Shujaa have been pitted against Fiji, France, and Wales in a tricky Pool 'B' for the Toulouse Sevens next month.

It will be a stern test for Innocent Simiyu's charges who will open their French adventure with a tough tie against the free-scoring Fijians who thrashed them 38-7 in Vancouver.

Kenya's second match will be against the hosts France before winding up their preliminary fixtures against Wales.

Pool 'A' has Argentina, England, Canada, and Wales with Australia headlining Pool 'C' alongside neighbours New Zealand, Scotland, and the USA. Samoa, South Africa, Ireland, and Spain meet in Pool 'D'.

Kenya's poor run continued in North America with the side picking a solitary point to stay 10th on the log with 37 points with three tournaments remaining to the end of the season. Shujaa's only win was against the USA (19-170 in their opening match.

They lost 38-7 to Fiji and 19-12 to England to drop to the classification matches where things went from bad to worse.

Here, they lost 21-14 to Ireland in the classification match for position 9-12 with Billy Odhiambo and Nelson Oyoo scoring a try apiece and  Anthony Omondi kicking over two conversions.

Ireland scored their tries courtesy of Jordan Conroy who bagged a brace with Stephen Killgallen crossing the line once. Hugo Lennox added three conversions. 

Spain put Kenya out of their misery with a 24-7 demolition in the 13th place playoff match.

Teenage sensation Kevin Wekesa scored Kenya's lone try with Richi Wangila converting the try. Spain scored four tries with Juan Martinez and Juan Ramos scoring a brace each for the Europeans.

Skipper Nelson Oyoo said the side will need to concentrate their energies on the World Cup qualifiers starting on Saturday in Kampala.

“We can't dwell on the tournament in Vancouver. We need to focus on the qualifiers and ensure we are in the right frame of mind,” said Oyoo. 

Shujaa are likely to have Alvin “Buffa” Otieno and Johnston Olindi for the qualifiers with three teams qualifying for the World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa in September. 

Oyoo said he expects a competitive qualifier with hosts Uganda and Zimbabwe expected to offer a formidable challenge.

"It is going to be tough and we have to brace up for the Kampala challenge. We must utilise on our experience in the World Series to right our wrongs," added Oyoo.