The Rugby Cranes will have to exhibit the fruits of their three-week preparations when the 2008 Prinsloo Nakuru Sevens get underway this morning.

24 teams are vying for the top prize.

John Musoke's side will start their quest against Kenyan Cup winners Harlequins, with the latter banking on Kenya national stars Allan Onyango, Allan Makaka and Victor Sudi.

However, Musoke insists that it's important to take it one game at a time. "It's good that we know a lot about Quins but it's imperative that we win the first game then look at the rest later," Musoke told Daily Monitor.

Fresh from leading his club, MTN Heathens to the utl 7s circuit crown, pint-sized Brian Kikaawa hopes to carry the momentum into the regional tournament. "I am in perfect shape and training has been great. Now we can judge how far we have come," Kikaawa said.

Nakuru RFC Secretary Nindo Kirori explained that despite heavy rains in the Rift Valley district on Thursday, forecasters expect the sun to rule during the two-day tourney. "There will be a pleasant atmosphere for rugby on both pitches. The crowd can look forward to a feast," Kirori said. "Of course Uganda and Mwamba are co-favourites but I expect lots of surprises especially from Daystar and Strathmore."

All the top six will qualify for the Main Cup followed by the two best runners-up. The Uganda versus Harlequins tie is one of 36 games lined up for today on the two grounds at the Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC) with Mwamba RFC versus Kimathi University commencing the confrontation at 10:30 a.m. Uganda also faces Mount Kenya and Strathmore today.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

Uganda v Quins (12.30pm)

Strathmore v Uganda (2.30pm)

Uganda v Mt. Kenya (3.02pm)

Pool A: Mwamba, USIU, Masinde, Kimathi

Pool B: Impala, Daystar, Nazarene, Buffaloes

Pool C: Nakuru, JKUAT, Kabarak, Exiles

Pool D; KCB, Mean Machine, KCA, Bungoma

Pool E; Blakblad, Nondies, Egerton, Catholic Univ.

Pool F: Uganda, Mount Kenya, Strathmore, Harlequins