Clinical Japan shatter Kenya Lionesses promotion dream

Kenya Lionesses' dream of becoming a core side in the 2023 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Circuit was brought to a heartbreaking end on Sunday evening as the women's national rugby 7s side fell to a 15-22 defeat at the hands of Japan in the ongoing Challenger Series currently taking place in Santiago, Chile.

Having secured four straight wins in their four games in the competition, the Dennis Mwanja coached side were seeking to continue with their fairytale run by progressing to the main cup final in the tournament being used as the qualifier to the 2023 campaign.

However, a clever Japan proved to be a huge stumbling block as they outsmarted the Lionesses with a clinical first half performance that saw Kenya trail 17-5 at the break courtesy of Janet Okello's solo try.

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The half time team talk appeared to have knocked some wind in Kenya's sails as they got two more trues but their inability to convert on both occasions always allowed Japan to stay 17-15 ahead.

Inside the last minute, Japan maintained possession well again and ate into Kenya's territory where they landed the final try that sealed the 22-15 victory that propelled them to the final where they will face Poland.

The Poles defeated China 22-15 in the first semi to set up the final clash where the winner will become a core side in the 2023 season.