Eyes on the prize for Nakuru RFC as Prinsloo 7s beckons

Nakuru RFC head coach Kennedy Njoroge is optimistic that his charges will impress in the upcoming third leg of the National 7s Circuit [NSC] penciled for the Nakuru Athletic Club from August 5–6.

The NSC is making a grand return after taking a three-week break to pave the way for the World Rugby U20 Trophy that was held at the Nyayo Stadium from July 15–30.

The side popularly known as Wanyore were off to a poor ninth-place finish after Driftwood 7s. They bowed out of cup contention after losing three of their pool matches [17-7] against Blak Blad, Nondies RFC [10-5], and KCB Rugby [17-5].

This was a drop from their Dala 7s performance, where they qualified for the quarterfinals but lost 19-0 to the Kenya Harlequins. They would then fall to Mwamba RFC in the fifth-place playoff to settle for sixth place. This weekend, coach Njoroge's charges will be enjoying home-based support. The Nakuru Athletic Club is also the training ground for Wanyore.

According to the former Menengai Oilers assistant coach, the side had more misses than hits in the opening two legs. Despite that, he remained undeterred, ready to take on the challenge.

"In the last two legs, we did not achieve our target, and that is due to various factors that we have been working on during this break. The plan is to address a few things that will be evident come Prinsloo," he noted.

This time, the side has been placed in an arguably tough pool that sees them face NSC defending champions Menengai Oilers, Nondies RFC, and Catholic Monks. Catholic Monks are the only new face in this pool. Nakuru RFC, the Oilers, and Nondies RFC are familiar foes, having shared a pool in the lakeside tournament. Nakuru defeated the Oilers 12-7 in the high-paced pool match. They will be looking to replicate.

The side's encounter with Nondies promises to be a fierce one. This will be the third time the two sides will meet in the 2023 NSC. Their first meeting in Dala ended in a 14-14 draw, while in Driftwood 7s, they lost 10-5 to Nondies. They will be looking to defeat the White Shirts. They have not faced the high-flying Monks and will be keen to make a statement.

"So far, we are in a tough pool, almost the same one we faced in Dala, and it was not an easy pool, so all the games will be challenging. We are looking to see how we will perfect and have a good performance going into Prinsloo," Coach Njoroge told Mozzart Sport.

The gaffer was also impressed with the teamwork among his charges. Giving a hint inside the training ground, Njoroge said that every individual was keen to right their wrongs in preparation for their home tournament.

"The team has been training well. Everyone has been working hard and improving in various departments, in which we feel we fell short during the opening two legs. We are looking to improve every facet of the game. No new faces, but we have players injured in Dala that will come back for Prinsloo," he offered.

Just like the previous editions, the 15th edition of Prinsloo 7 promises to electrify the city of Nakuru. Menengai Oilers were crowned the winners of the 2022 Prinsloo 7s after defeating Strathmore Leos 12-7.

Beyond the intense matches, fans will be treated to an afterparty.

Prinsloo 7's pools

Pool A: Kabras Sugar, Kisumu RFC, Homeboyz RFC, Western Bulls

Pool B: Menengai Oilers, Nondies RFC, Nakuru RFC, Catholic Monks

Pool C: KCB Rugby, Kenya Harlequins RFC, MMUST Rugby, Blak Blad

Pool D: Strathmore Leos, Mwamba RFC, Daystar Falcons, Zetech Oaks

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