Safari 7s: Shujaa to face Samurai in the final

2015 and 2018 Safari 7s champions Samurai Barracudas and 2021 champions Shujaa are through to the finals of the 2023 Safari 7s after an impressive performance in the semifinals played at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Sunday.

Samurai proceeded to the final following a last-minute 21-19 win over the Uganda Cranes in the first semifinal, while Shujaa defeated Germany 19-5 in the last semifinal match.

Samurai wallop Uganda Cranes

The match was brutally physical, as Uganda fought tooth and nail to make their maiden Safari 7s final. However, that would not be possible under the watch of determined Samurai, who were under the tutelage of former Kenya 7s International Collins Injera.

Tom Role was the first to register his name on the scoresheet with a well-worked-out five-pointer that put Samurai ahead in the opening minute. The conversion attempt was successful, seeing the scores climb to 7-0.

Following that, Uganda responded with a converted try to level the scores at 7-7. By now, the noisy Ugandan fanbase was already on their feet, cheering along.

The try seemed to motivate the Cranes, who fought again, this time vice captain Adrian Kasito going over the whitewash with the Cranes' second try. The conversion was on point to put Uganda in the lead.

Samurai would then showcase seamless passes before the ball landed in Noegh Hayward's hands. The fleet-footed speedster raced clear to score under the posts to see the scores tied at 14-14.

The two teams were now hungry to break the tie, and it was a closely contested match. Upon gaining possession, Uganda went off with another try but failed to convert for the score to climb to 19-14.

In the final play, Henry Kirwan showcased individual brilliance to score Samurai's winning try. Ethan Isaacs was sure with the conversion before center referee Joseph Mumo blew the final whistle. Full-time scores: 21–19 Samurai leading.

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Shujaa defeat Germany

Shujaa saw off Germany 19-5 to proceed to the finals of the Safari 7s.

This match was a repeat of the 2021 Safari 7s finals, where Shujaa handed Germany a 12-5 beating to be crowned winners of the event.

Germany scored their sole try in the opening minutes of the first half.

The pep talk seemed to have a positive impact on Shujaa, who came back stronger in the closing half.

Co-captains Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi led by example, scoring a converted try that saw the countable Kenyan fans burst into cheers.

The play was on, and a talented Patrick Odongo set up Omondi for his second try. His attempt to convert the try sailed wide. Scores 12-5.

From the bench, Brian Mutugi scored another five-pointer to put the Kenyans ahead. Mutugi was coming in place of Odongo. The try was converted to see the full-time scores at 19-5.

Shujaa will be looking to defend their title, bolstered by their noisy home support.

Match Day 2 results

Uganda: 23-7 Tropic 7s

Shujaa 34-7 Red Wailers

Western Province 10–7 Samurai

Morans 26–15, Germany

Lionesses 36-0 Tropic 7s

Cubs 5-0 Uganda

Samurai 21-19 Uganda

Shujaa, 19-5 Germany

Safari 7s: Shujaa, Samurai cruise to semifinals

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