Shujaa stun South Africa to progress to 9th place semifinal

The men’s national rugby 7s side Shujaa gave themselves a good redemption story at the ongoing Vancouver 7s as they stunned African giants South Africa 12-17 on Sunday morning to progress to the 9th place semifinal.

Having been bundled out of the main cup contention following losses in all of their group stage matches against Fiji, Great Britain and Uruguay, the Damian McGrath currently coached side managed to get the desired result when tries from George Ooro, Brian Tanga and John Okoth helped the team power past the Blitzbok who dropped to the 13th place semifinal.

The team particularly showed good character as they came from 12-0 down before putting in the three unanswered tries that got the job done against South Africa.

Following the result, the team set up a showdown against Spain in the semifinal in a crucial must win clash against the fellow relegation fighters. Spain booked their place after beating Canada 14-19 in the other 9th place quarter final.

Elsewhere, in the main cup competition, France proved that they have what it takes to compete with the world’s best by beating Great Britain with a clinical second half performance to set up a first semifinal clash against Australia, after the Series leading New Zealand were defeated by their Trans-Tasman rivals.

Los Angeles runners up Argentina defeated Fiji in the dying moments of their quarter-final thanks to a brace from World Rugby Sevens 2021 Player of the Year Marcos Moneta. They will play their Cup semi-final against Ireland, who defeated USA in an extra-time thriller thanks to a try from Zac Ward in the 22nd minute of the match.

Shujaa Vancouver Results

Kenya 12-31 Fiji

Kenya 12-26 Great Britain

Kenya 19-21 Uruguay

Kenya 17-12 South Africa (9th place QF)

Kenya vs Spain – 2106EAT