Shujaa lose to Fiji in Toulouse Sevens opener

Shujaa's Billy Odhiambo scores a try against Japan [Courtesy-World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens kicked off the Toulouse Sevens on a low note after losing 29-5 to Olympic champions Fiji in their opening Group B match played at the Stade Ernest-Wallon in France on Friday.

Shujaa trailed 17-5 at the break after the Fijians drilled in three tries against Kenya’s one before two unanswered tries in the final half condemned the East Africans to their first defeat in France.

Kaminieli Rasaku turned his markers inside out on the left side before pacing on to score the opening try that he converted for a 7-0 lead before Waisea Nacuqu sliced through the defence and scored to stretch Fiji’s lead to 12-0.

Fiji continued with their dominance as Elia Canakaivata dotted the third try to push the scores to 17-0.

Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno scored Shujaa’s only points of the match after touching down in the dying minutes of the first half.

Poor ball kicking, ball handling and indiscipline cost Kenya a lot in the match where Shujaa gave possession easily and Herman Humwa sent to the sin bin in the second half.

However, Kenya still has a chance to progress to the Main Cup quarterfinals with two group matches left to play.

A win over host France and Wales will see them progress to the next change but a defeat will see knock them out.

Kenya will be back in action at 11:05pm tonight against hosts France while Fiji will tackle Wales.

France were onto a flying star whipping Wales 56-5.