Shujaa humbled by Fiji as Kenya exit Perth Sevens
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Jan 24, 2025
Kenya Sevens players hurdle before a match.[Courtesy,X]
Kenya Sevens are out of the 2025 Perth Sevens, the third leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series currently going on in Australia.
Shujaa were bundled out of the Main Cup contention after surrendering a 14-0 lead to lose their second match to Fiji 21-14.
The Kelvin Wambua charges got off to a slow start after losing to New Zealand 29-14 in their opening Group C match.
Shujaa had their work cut out for them after having being pooled against New Zealand, Fiji and Uruguay.
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The two defeats left Kenya bottom of Group C with a point as Uruguay who stunned Fiji 24-17 and New Zealand 17-14 top the log with six points.
Both New Zealand and Fiji who face off on Saturday are tied with four points each with the winner of the encounter set to join Uruguay in the Main Cup quarterfinals.
In the match against Fiji, Kenya got off to a perfect start after early possession saw Nygel Amaitsa kicked behind the Fijian defense to score between the posts for a 7-0 lead after Anthony Omondi's conversion.
The restart saw Shujaa reclaim the ball almost immediately after a knock on by Fiji, possession Kenya utilised after quick thinking by Samwel Asati saw the KCB scrum half score near the posts for 14-0 lead after Omondi's conversion.
Joji Nasova replied for Fiji with a center post try that he converted for 14-7, a try that left Shujaa captain George Ooro injured.
With a tied shoulder, Shujaa introduced former captain Vincent Onyala who returned for his first outing of the 2024-2025 season as the teams went for the break with Fiji trailing with a try.
In the final half, Shujaa started well, regaining possession after kicking the ball but failed to capitalise on their advantage from the scrum as Patrick Odongo who was through in the left wing saw bundled out into touch.
The resultant line out saw Fiji use their possession well after a series of carries found Joseva Talacolo open for a try that was converted by Iowane Teba for 14-14.
With the game open for any side to win, Nasova showcased his pace after breaking free inside his own half to score his brace and the winner for Fiji with less than a minute left on the clock.
Nova outpaced second half substitute Brian Tanga and Amaitsa to score near the posts, a try that Teba converted for 21-14 win.
Shujaa will now shift their focus to ninth place classification matches.