By John Kwoba
NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's 15s rugby team head coach Ian Snook is looking for an improved performance and a win in their second match against China's Hong Kong in the repechage World Cup qualifier in Marseille, France on Saturday.
Snook has warned his team that only a win will keep their hopes of a first World Cup qualification alive.
"We face a familiar opponent and we have the chance to get our dream back on course. They are a good all-round team, who are well organized and have several attacking threats. So we will need to step up a few levels in our game in all aspects if we are to beat them," said Snook on Friday.
It will however, be the seventh meeting in the space of two years for the two teams. China's Hong Kong lost their opening match 26-9 to Germany and will be keen to get a result against Kenya.
Snook says his side has a good chance of winning. "We have played them and they know our game. Victory will put either team in a contending spot for a World Cup slot," he said.
Kenya are ringing the changes in their team with Snook confirming that former skipper Wilson K'Opondo and Oliver Mangeni will start in place of George Nyambua or Malcolm Onsando.
Positional changes are also expected in the backline, where Collins Injera will shift to the wing with Peter Kilonzo moving to the inside center. Snook said his side was too rusty in losing 65-19 to Canada in the first match, having only played one build-up match.
"We must improve our phase play in both attack and defense and at the same time, re-group and get in good position in defense," added the coach.
Only the winner of the round robin competition will win the ticket to the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019. Enditem
