SHUJAA in quarters: National 7s team make Main Cup last eight stage in Singapore despite one win in pool matches

TOPSHOT-RUGBYU-SEVENS-HKG TOPSHOT - Kenya's Samuel Oliech (C) is tackled during their match against France on the second day of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament on April 9, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ANTHONY WALLACE

Kenya Sevens team yesterday qualified for the Main Cup quarter-finals in Singapore despite losing 14-0 to South Africa in the final Pool C match.

Shujaa will now renew their rivalry with France in the last eight today (1.04pm) as South Africa face New Zealand in the other last eight tie.

Just like last weekend’s seventh leg in Hong Kong, Shujaa sneaked into the quarters courtesy of better point difference than Scotland with whom they drew 12-12 in their second match of the day.

In the first match, Shujaa beat Russia 21-7.

Blitzbokke had already qualified for the Main Cup quarters going into their clash against Kenya after beating Scotland (33-0) and Russia (21-10).

Seabelo Senatla scored a brace of tries to secure South Africa’s second win against Kenya this season.

Aggressive work at the breakdown saw South Africa win possession just inside the Kenyan half.

Cecil Afrika added an initial burst of pace and combined well with Justin Geduld to set up Senatla’s  first try.

After the break, Senatla capitalised on Kenya’s high penalty count and profligacy in possession to double the lead and hand Blitzbokke their third win of the day.

In their opening match against Russia, Kenya’s tries were scored by Sammy Oliech, Willy Ambaka and Humphrey Khayange.

In the second match, Scotland drew the first blood through James Johnstone’s unconverted try after outpacing Oscar Ayodi and Nelson Oyoo.