Perth 7s: Shujaa settle for 10th place after loss to New Zealand
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 26.01.25. | 09:52
Kenya will look to build on their performances in Perth as they shift focus to the next leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series: Vancouver 7s, slated for Friday, 21 to Sunday, 23 February, in Canada.
Kenya 7s national team, Shujaa, concluded their Perth 7s campaign in 10th place following a closely contested 19-12 loss to New Zealand in the ninth-place playoff played on Sunday, 26 January, at HBF Park in Western Australia.
The match marked the second time Shujaa faced New Zealand in Perth, having lost 29-14 in their opening pool match.
Despite their earlier defeats, Kenya showed grit, registering two wins against Uruguay and the USA to earn a spot in the playoffs.
The match kicked off with Kenya regaining possession from the start, building momentum from a scrum.
A series of crisp passes saw Dennis Abukuse force a New Zealand player into touch, but Kenya lost the resulting lineout and conceded an infringement. From the ensuing scrum, New Zealand capitalized with the opening try.
Kenya responded almost immediately through a converted try by Patrick Odongo, leveling the scores.
Vincent Onyala added another well-orchestrated try late in the first half, giving Shujaa a slim lead. Unfortunately, this would prove to be Kenya’s final score of the match.
In the second half, New Zealand quickly gained possession after the restart, applying pressure on the Kenyan defense. An attempted tackle left Nygel Amaitsa injured, momentarily halting play.
Despite Kenya’s efforts, New Zealand found space to break through, with Andrew Knewstubb crossing the whitewash for a converted try.
Dylan Collier extended New Zealand’s lead with another try, exploiting gaps in the Kenyan defense. Shujaa fought back valiantly, with Floyd Wabwire nearly scoring after a clever kick and chase, but the referee ruled it out, ending the match.
The final score stood at 19-12 in favor of New Zealand, leaving Shujaa to settle for 10th place. While Kenya showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their defensive efforts and counterattacks, they were unable to sustain pressure against a clinical New Zealand side.
Kenya will look to build on their performances in Perth as they shift focus to the next leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series: Vancouver 7s, slated for Friday, 21 to Sunday, 23 February, in Canada.
