Rugby 7s: Onyango embraces challenging Hong Kong draw

Kampala. The Rugby Sevens Cranes will compete at the Hong Kong World Sevens Series qualifier for the third year running early next month with core status at stake.
This year’s draw pitted Uganda against Chile, Germany and Cook Islands in pool G.
“It’s a tough draw just like every year,” Cranes coach Tolbert Onyango responded when asked for his take on the draw.
Uganda have faced Germany on three previous occasions, losing all.
In 2017 they were drawn in pool E and the Europeans won 24-0.
Last year saw Germany beat Uganda once again 26-0 in the last eight of the qualifier en route to finishing runners to Japan. German also beat Uganda 31-7 at the 2017 Oktoberfest 7s.
As they meet for the fourth time in the 12 team qualifier, Onyango will hope for better fortunes to enhance his Guinness sponsored side’s chances of playing on the series circuit.
One of his major concerns has been lack of enough prep tournaments since he took over.

Preparation crucial
“Preparation is key, all the teams that take part are undergoing serious training along with preparatory tournaments under their belts,” he told Daily Monitor last month.
“We only have Africa Cup and Zimbabwe and that’s if it happens,” he added.
Failing to hit the jackpot on the third attempt would not be termed failure as many better facilitated and equipped sides are still knocking on the door.
“Many teams have attempted it for the last six or five years and they have not been successful which means a lot of work backed up by the Union is needed not just for the eight weeks of preps but the entire year.”
Chile have also faced Uganda thrice, once in Hong Kong where Uganda won 14-10, at the World Cup with Chile winning 20-17and in the Oktoberfest 7s in Germany where Uganda took it 17-12.

The pools