All three of England Sevens new caps made an impression in England’s opening win over Kenya in the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens today. Tom Varndell, of Leicester Tigers, and Sale Sharks' Ben Foden both made the score sheet and Luke Narraway, of Gloucester, made some strong impact tackles to help England cruise to a 52-7 win over the Kenyans.

Despite the 90 degree heat, England showed promise in their opening match and coach Mike Friday was pleased with the team’s performance. 

He said: “It was a good start particularly from the new boys as we didn’t really know what to expect from them. We did the simple things well and passed nine out of 10 times accurately but there were still some individual errors which we need to correct if we are to progress through the tournament.  It was a good first game but it was just that – our first game.”

Fresh from making his full England debut last Saturday at Twickenham, 20-year-old Varndell scored within the first minute with his first touch of the ball. Showing great pace as he went outside his defender he then crossed the line a second time just moments later. With tries from captain Simon Amor, Henry Paul and Nils Mordt England led 26-7 at the break.

Changes for the second half were made and third new cap Ben Foden made his debut and he beat off a last-gasp tackle to put the ball over the line and scored. Mathew Tait came on to replace Varndell and showed more of the impressive form he first displayed 12 months ago when he made his sevens debut in the same stadium as today.

A second try from Henry Paul coupled with six out of eight successful conversions from leading IRB Sevens points scorer Ben Gollings meant that England finished 52-7 winners.

Scorers:

England - Tries: Varndell (2), Amor, Paul (2), Mordt, Foden, Tait; Cons:Gollings (6).

Kenya - Try: Ocholla; Con: Asego

England: Luke Narraway (Gloucester), Ben Russell (Saracens), Nils Mordt (London Irish), Henry Paul (Gloucester), Tom Vardell (Leicester Tigers), Ben Gollings (Sunnybank, Australia), Simon Amor (capt) (Gloucester).

Replacements: Ben Foden (Sale Sharks), Andy Vilk (Northampton Saints), Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons)