Shujaa miss semi-final berth in Hamilton Sevens contest

France's Jonathan Laugel (C) is tackled during the World Rugby Sevens Series match between France and Kenya at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on January 26, 2019. [Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP]

Kenya’s defensive weaknesses were laid bare as they remained winless after their two pool B matches at the Hamilton Sevens in New Zealand on Saturday.

Shujaa were on course to upset England in their opener at the FMG Waikato Stadium but Paul Feeney’s charges squandered a healthy 19-5 lead to lose 24-19. Kenya would then go on to relinquish a 12-5 lead in their 12-12 draw against non-core side Japan, a result that all but ended their hopes of reaching today’s Main Cup semi-finals with only pool winners assured of progression.