Kenya 15’s will get their bid to qualify for the Rugby World Cup underway against USA in their opening game of the final qualification tournament in Dubai.
The former African champions will face USA on Sunday in the opener set to be played at The Sevens Stadium starting from 3pm East African time.
Paul Odera’s charges will then face Portugal on November 12 with the final match against Hong Kong set for November 18.
Kenya have never played the Americans in the 15s version of the game but have regularly met in the Sevens circuit with both sides evenly matched.
“We have reviewed videos of the USA rugby side and we know what to expect. They are big strong athletes and we will try to improve our speed. We are also looking at playing the territorial game,” said Simbas coach Odera.
The Simbas are familiar with Portugal and Hong Kong, having played against both team in international friendlies six years ago.
Kenya failed to get direct 2023 World Cup qualification ticket to France after a loss to Namibia in the qualifier final played in July.
USA on the other side, dropped to the Repechage after losing to South American opponents Uruguay and Chile in Americas 1 and 2 deciders respectively.
The Americans have only missed out on one edition of the Rugby World Cup since the inaugural event in 1987.
The winner of the repechage qualifies for the Rugby World Pool C where thy face two time champions Australia, Wales, Fiji and Georgia.
