Dubai 7s: South Africa prove too good for Shujaa

The national rugby sevens men's outfit, Shujaa failed to replicate their impressive performance against Australia as they lost 27-12 to South Africa in the Dubai leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on Friday.

Reeling from their 14-5 loss to Great Britain, South Africa came into the match needing nothing short of a win and had the perfect start to the game when JC Pretorius powered over the try line after fending off a tackle attempt from Herman Humwa.

Reinvigorated Shujaa hold World Champions Australia

The torrid restarts from Kenya creeped into their game again after they looked to have ironed out the issue in their impressive 19 all draw against Australia as South Africa scored straight from restart with Ryan Oosthuizen touching down for an early 10-0 lead.

The Blitzboks proved too good for Kenya in the opening half as they added their third try of the game after JC Pretorius turned the Shujaa defense inside out to offload for Impi Visser for a simple try as they went into the break with a 17-0 lead.

With wind in their sails, South Africa had a mirror start to the second half as they profited from a poor restart from Shujaa with Dewald Human racing to the try line for a simple five-pointer.

Shujaa finally found their groove after some brilliant play from Billy Odhiambo who offloaded from an improbable angle for Anthony Omondi to cross the whitewash as he went on to convert his own try.

Pressure on Shujaa to deliver in Dubai 7s

Quick hands from South Africa resulted in their fifth try as Ricardo James Duarttee stepped his way into they try box with the whole of the Blitzboks team joining in the celebrations after the landmark try for the youngster.

Domain McGrath’s men however got their consolation try when Menengai Oilers ace Dennis Abukuse showed a clean pair of heels by sprinting from his own half to make a try and ensured the game ended 27-12.