Kenya reaches Paris Sevens quarters
Kenya Sevens rugby team came within seconds of beating powerhouses New Zealand, only to fall to a late Gillies Kaka try at the Paris Sevens in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on Saturday.
Despite the narrow 19-17 loss to All Blacks, Kenya still made it to the Main Cup quarters having won their first two matches in Pool A.
On Friday night, Kenya clinched a come from behind 29-14 win over Portugal in the tournament’s opening match before beating Russia 22-7 in their second match on Saturday morning.
TWIST IN THE TALE
Kenya will however rue a missed opportunity for a rare victory over New Zealand in a match they led 12-7 at half time with two tries from Humphrey Khayange and Samuel Oliech.
Shortly after resumption, Kenya widened the lead to 17-7 with a powerful try from team captain Andrew Amonde.
But Rieko Ioane got the game going for New Zealand with a try that team captain Kurt Baker failed to convert for a 17-12 scoreline in Kenya’s favour.
But there was a twist in the tale when Gillies Kaka weaved his way to touch down between the posts for an easy conversation as New Zealand stole a late victory.