The national women’s sevens rugby team was handed a 52-0 baptism of fire by titans New Zealand as they launched their 2016 Rio Olympics campaign on a wrong footing at the Deodoro Stadium on Saturday.
The Kenya Lionesses found the going tough against an experienced New Zealand side, who found their scores through Woodman Portia’s hat-trick as well as braces of tries from Mcalister Kaylawell and Nathan-wong Tyla.
Broughton Gayle, Williams Niall and Manuel Huriana completed the tries while Brazier Kelly scored a penalty.
Lionesses head coach Mike Shamia, started with his strong squad with Doreen Nziwa, Janet Okelo, Irene Otieno, Celestine Masinde manning the back-line but they were unable to stop a speedy New Zealand side that scored eight tries.
The forward line that comprised of skipper Janet Owino, Shieila Chajira and Philadelphia Olando were completely neutralized by the solid All Blacks defence.
Kenya will now take on France later on tonight; seeking a win that will keep their Main Cup chase alive after the French side beat Spain 24-7 in the opening match of Pool B.
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