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Kenya face some tough assignments in the next two tournaments of the IRB Sevens World Series in New Zealand and USA.

They face a tough task this weekend in Wellington being drawn with top seeds South Africa, Scotland and Tonga. San Diego sees them join New Zealand, France and Uruguay in Pool B.

Coach Benjamin Ayimba acknowledged that as a core team which plays in all the eight tournaments, they should not be looking for excuses.

“You can only improve your game by playing the best. The top teams know we can beat them anytime and that is exciting,” he said.

“Our placing means we are expected to reach the quarter finals of the main cup which is our basic goal but that is not enough because the semi-final is within reach also,” he added.

Following the long haul flight into Wellington a series of warm-up matches were arranged against Niue, Cook Islands, and Arabian Gulf providing intense acclimatization and to get the rugby brains into gear.

Oscar Osir, the Kenya team manager, admitted the effects of the three-day flight to Wellington had taken their toll on the players.

“We were a bit rusty against Niue in the opening few minutes but won in the end,” Osir said.

Ayimba was generally satisfied after the games which the Kenyans won pretty convincingly.

“We had already done enough at home but it is only when the players step on the pitch here that you know what to expect. Definitely, the combinations are working and I have a good idea on who will be starting against Tonga, Scotland and South Africa.”