The Punter
31 October 2008
Uganda and Senegal stood in Kenya's path to the semi-finals of the Africa Zone of the 2009 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya on Friday defeated Tunisia II 45-0 and Namibia 31-12 in the opening two matches in Tunis, Tunisia on the first day of the qualifiers.
Only nine countries out of a possible 15 are in Tunisia. Morocco, Cameroon, Swaziland and Nigeria who were eligible failed to travel citing logistical reasons.
The organisers issued fresh fixtures late on Thursday in which Tunisia II was drafted in. Instead of the four pools of three teams each, the new draw has two pools of five teams each.
Kenya is in Pool A with Uganda, Namibia, Senegal and Tunisia II. Pool B has hosts Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Zambia and Botswana.
Top two teams
According to Richard Omwela, the Kenya Rugby Football Union chairman, the top two teams shall proceed to the semi-final of the main cup after the last pool matches on Saturday. Omwela is also in-charge of seven-a-side rugby at the Africa Rugby Confederation (CAR).
Elsewhere, Impala begin their quest for a main cup quarter final place on Saturday when the Singapore Cricket Club seven-a-side tournament starts. Standard Chartered Bank Singapore sponsored Impala for Sh2 million.
They have been drawn in a tough group which has last year's winners South Africa Vipers - the national team -, hosts SCC and Indonesia Barbarians - the national team.
Impala opens against SCC before playing Indonesia Barbarians and South African Vipers. Captain, Nato Simiyu and Felix Makori who were left behind were due to link up with the team on Friday.
Tunisia results:
Kenya 45 Tunisia II 0, Tunisia 26 Botswana 0, Uganda 42 Senegal 0, Zimbabwe 40 Zambia 0, Kenya 31 Namibia 12, Tunisia 12 Madagascar 0.
Singapore Sevens draw:
Pool A: Davatalevu (Fiji), Cottesloe, Singapore Barbarians.
Pool B: Oriental Rongotai(NZ), Palmyra (Australia), Gove (Australia), Casuarina Cougars
Pool C: Ponsonby (New Zealand and last years losing finalist), Randwick (Australia), Thai Barbarians(Thailand National Team); Karumi (Japan)
Pool D: Scottish Thistles (Scotland Sevens A); Arabian Gulf RFU: Tamariva (Japan), Red Dot Rebels
Pool E: SA Vipers (SA team to IRB Circuit - last years winners), Impala, Singapore Cricket Club, Indonesia Barbarians (Indonesia National Team).
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