Singapore 7s: Tough luck for Shujaa as Fiji rally from behind to win title
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 06.04.25. | 15:34
Shujaa put in a spirited fight but Fiji proved too strong, coming from behind to claim the main cup
Kenya Sevens national team; Shujaa succumbed to a 21-12 defeat to Fiji in the gripping Singapore 7s final played on Sunday, 6 April at the Singapore National Stadium.
Shujaa came into the match hoping to channel the magic of their historic 2016 Singapore triumph, when they stunned Fiji 33-7 to claim their first-ever HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title.
History was not to be repeated this time, despite, the numerical advantage and taking the lead in the first half.
Fiji, riding a 14-match winning streak against Kenya dating back to 2018 in Vancouver, proved too clinical and displayed top of the drawer tactical discipline throughout.
The match held additional significance for the referee, who made his HSBC Series career debut in Singapore.
Kenya kicked off proceedings, but failed to retain possession, allowing Fiji to threaten early.
However, a misplaced pass from the Pacific islanders gifted Kenya an opening.
After a successful lineout, Shujaa worked through the phases, pushing into Fiji’s 22. Yet, a knock-on at the breakdown handed Fiji a scrum.
The Fijians dominated the breakdown and maintained pressure, resulting in a bruising collision where Vincent Onyala was struck by Sevuloni Mocenacagi’s elbow.
Mocenacagi was shown a yellow card, but Kenya failed to make the most of the numerical advantage.
Kenya’s defense held firm, forcing Fiji into a knock-on. Seizing the moment, Onyala chipped the ball into space and Nygel Amaitsa showed blistering pace to beat his marker to score the opening try.
The conversion was good, giving Kenya a 7-0 lead at halftime.
Fiji responded in the second half, capitalizing on a Kenyan error.
Vuivuwa Naduvalo found space on the left flank and raced through for the equalizing try, with the conversion bringing the scores level.
Despite efforts from Kevin Wekesa to physically contest the ruck, Kenya found themselves on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle, conceding six penalties and committing four handling errors.
Amaitsa also took a knock during this tense period.
The errors proved costly. Naduvalo danced through the Kenyan line for his second try, and a successful conversion gave Fiji the lead.
Onyala attempted a kick-and-chase to regain momentum, but the ball sailed into touch.
Fiji defended the lineout well and punished Kenya’s tired defense once more, as Alusio Vakadranu crossed over to stretch the lead to 21-7 after another accurate conversion.
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Kenya mounted a late response, with William Mwanji delivering a strong handoff before diving in for a try.
However, the missed conversion meant Shujaa trailed by nine. Fiji smartly kicked the ball into touch to end the contest.
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