Shujaa Captain Andrew Amonde Calls For Focus In Hamilton, Sydney Sevens

23rd January 2020

The winner of the pool qualifies for the semis in a new format, meaning there will be no quarters in both events as the women's tournament will be played concurrently

Andrew Amonde of Kenya during The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 London 7s Challenge Trophy Quarter Final Match 28 between Kenya and Scotland at Twickenham on 26 May 2019. PHOTO | AFP
Andrew Amonde of Kenya during The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 London 7s Challenge Trophy Quarter Final Match 28 between Kenya and Scotland at Twickenham on 26 May 2019. PHOTO | AFP
SUMMARY
  • Kenya Sevens National Rugby team skipper Andrew Amonde has warned there can be no margin for error in the upcoming Hamilton and Sydney legs of the 2019/20 HSBC World Sevens Circuit
  • Shujaa have been drawn in a tough group for the Hamilton leg in New Zealand this weekend, where they face England, South Africa and Japan in a tricky Pool B
  • Kenya and South Africa have met twice this season with Shujaa losing narrowly 17-5 and 17-12 in Dubai and Cape Town respectively

NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Sevens National Rugby team skipper Andrew Amonde has warned there can be no margin for error in the upcoming Hamilton and Sydney legs of the 2019/20 HSBC World Sevens Circuit.

Shujaa have been drawn in a tough group for the Hamilton leg in New Zealand this weekend, where they face England, South Africa and Japan in a tricky Pool B.

The winner of the pool qualifies for the semis in a new format, meaning there will be no quarters in both events as the women's tournament will be played concurrently.

"It will be a tough task but the boys are ready for the challenge. The new rules are not good but we have to focus on the task at hand so that we can qualify for the semis,” Amonde stated. 

Shujaa arrived in Hamilton on Sunday after a 20-hour flight from Nairobi and have had two training sessions as they gear up for action which kicks off on Saturday.

Kenya and South Africa have met twice this season with Shujaa losing narrowly 17-5 and 17-12 in Dubai and Cape Town respectively.

“He has been an integral part of this team. He brings experience and creates tries out of nothing. It's good to have him back in the squad,” the reliable captain commented about the return of record try-scorer Collins Injera.

Veteran forward Oscar Ouma and playmaker Sammy Oliech were part of the team’s residential camp in Nakuru and may be included in the Las Vegas and Vancouver Sevens squads in March. 

Paul Feeney's charges last year lost in the Challenge Trophy final to England 36-7 to bag seven points.

Kenya are currently in 11th place on the log with 15 points from the opening two legs in Dubai and Cape Town.