Shujaa lose to Fiji in Vancouver Sevens opener

Kenya Sevens taking on Fiji during a past match.[Courtesy]

Kenya Sevens poor show in the World Rugby Sevens Series continued on Friday evening after going down 31-12 to Olympic champions Fiji in their opening Group C match at the Vancouver Sevens.

Shujaa headed to the seventh leg of the series in Canada behind their disappointing last position at the Los Angeles Sevens last week and they needed better results especially with relegation looming.

Herman Humwa got Kenya off to a perfect start in the match after touching down inside the opening minute to give Shujaa a narrow 5-0 lead after Anthony Omondi's missed conversion.

Three minutes later, the Fijians responded through Josese Batirerega, a try that would be converted by Waisea Nacuqu to give the reigning Olympic champions a 7-5 halftime lead.

Anasa Qaranivalu stretched the scores to 12-5 immediately after the restart before Alvin Otieno brought the scores level after Omondi converted his try for 12-12.

Batirerega restored the Fijian's lead before Jeremaia Matana sealed the win with two late tries.

Kenya are in Group C alongside Fiji, Great Britain and Uruguay.

Last week in Los Angeles leg, Kenya finished last in the competition despite having a promising start with victory against overall defending champions Australia. They picked one point.