The Kenya Sevens Rugby team rallied from an earlier loss against France to defeat Japan 17-7 in the HSBC Sevens series in Dubai. Kenya scored the first try of the match, to lead Japan with 5 points, but the Samurai equalized and converted their try to leave the scores 7-5 at halftime.
The second half started brightly for Shujaa, as Willy Ambaka scored the first try of the half to set the game for a grand finish. Japan couldn’t keep up and the game ended 17-7 in favor of Kenya.
Earlier on, France defeated Kenya 24-14, to hand new coach Innocent Simiyu a hostile reception as a trainer. The Kenyans had a great start, posting tries from Willy Ambaka and Nelson Oyoo, but the French rallied from behind to score vital tries and the score at half time was 14-12. The French overwhelmed Kenya in the second half, as France scored two more tries to kill the game.
In the absence of Collins Injera, the line up against France still had plenty of experience, as it featured Andrew Amonde, Willy Ambaka, Leonard Mugaisi, Frank Wanyama, Nelson Oyoo, Billy Odhiambo and Augustine Lugonzo. The next match will be against Australia on Friday evening.
