Kabras, Kenya Harlequins cruise into Dala 7s semi finals alongside KCB, Leos

It will be a teacher-meet-student affair when Kenya Harlequins and Kabras RFC meet in the semifinals of the ongoing Dala 7s at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

Kenya Harlequins head coach Paul Murunga coached Kabras RFC coach Felix Ayange during his heydays as a Kenya 7s international. Their last stint together was during the 2015 Amsterdam 7s. Today, they will both meet as coaches of top-tier clubs.

Kenya Harlequins booked a slot in the semifinals after hitting Nakuru RFC 15-0. Their opponents Kabras RFC reached this stage after a 22-0 win over Mwamba RFC.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the emphatic win, a visibly impressed Coach Murunga lauded his charges' zeal, noting that they defended well.

"Our defense was perfect. We scored three tries, we have not conceded any. Our execution in terms of attack was also good. We had very few mistakes, infact, only two mistakes; we lost ball in contact twice and we did not secure the rucks so it was a turnover," he explained.

Going forward, the former Kenya 7s coach assured that his charges were ready to fight tooth and nail to secure a slot in the finals.

"We have two more games, but we take each day at a time. We put all we have in the semis against Kabras and wait for the finals. Step by step," he assured.

The Quins were also out to better their 2022 Dala 7s performance where they only picked three points. The side is now bolstered with young incredible talents who are looking to showcase their true-Quin character.

On his side, Kabras RFC coach Ayange said that the boys making a semi-final appearance was an impressive show of their mental strength.

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"It was just the mental state of the boys. Our aim yesterday was to get to the quarters which we did. We however did not tick one box that was topping the pool, but that did not stop our fine form on day two," he told Mozzart Sport.

As his tradition, the former Kenya 7s international assured their fans 'sweet and sugarcoated rugby.

It was in this similar tournament that Kabras RFC were crowned the 2017 National 7s Circuit Champions after beating Kenyatta University's Blak Blad 19-7 in the finals played on October 15, 2017. That was the last time Kabras RFC won the coveted overall 7s title.

Elsewhere, KCB beat Menengai Oilers 14-12 to book their semis spot against Strathmore Leos who knocked out defending Dala 7s champions Homeboyz 26-10.

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"We are taking a game at a time. 7s is all about managing yourselves for the two days. Since we started the pool games, our aim was to get a win against Homeboyz which we did. Now we just relax and watch our opponents that are lined up for semis then do the analysis and see how we do about it," Leos head coach Louis Kisia noted.

According to former Kenya 7s captain Andrew Amonde who coaches KCB RFC, their defense worked wonders especially after his side was off to a sluggish start, conceding a try before bouncing back to narrowly edge the Oilers.

"The biggest thing for us was defense. We kept things going even when we were at our lowest. Oilers is one of the teams that people are looking at in the National 7s Circuit in addition to being the defending champions. We had to go deep.

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However, we have to be clear and aware of everything that happens. We started very low and conceded a try due to that. There are just a few things we need to work on and get them right," Amonde concluded.

KCB Rugby and Strathmore Leos will meet in the second semifinal of the day in what is expected to be a top-of-the-table clash.

13th Place SFs

SF1: Mombasa vs Bulls (ongoing)

SF2: Makueni vs MMUST

Challenge Trophy SFs

SF1: Nondies vs Daystar

SF2: Kisumu vs Monks

5th Place SFs

SF1: Nakuru vs Mwamba

SF2: Homeboyz vs Oilers

Cup SFs

SF1: Quins vs Kabras

SF2: Strath vs KCB