Hong Kong 7s: Uncovincing Shujaa knocked out of main cup contention after Ireland loss

Shujaa’s poor record of failing to make it out of any group stage in the 2023 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series was continued in the eighth outing of the season currently taking place in Hong Kong as the 7s side succumbed to a second consecutive loss following their 26-14 defeat against Ireland on Saturday 1 April morning.

Having been beaten 29-5 by current Series leaders New Zealand in the Group D opener, Shujaa went into the match against Ireland needing nothing short of a win if they were to have any hopes of breaking their main cup curse this season.

However, right from kick off, the Damian McGrath currently coached side shot themselves in the foot when they allowed Ireland an easy try as they failed to gather the ball from the kickoff, Harry McNulty picking the loose ball before running free to the try line to help his side to a 7-0 lead in the opening 45 seconds following a successful Mark Roche conversion.

The team managed to get themselves back in the tie when a charged Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno showed his strength and pace in running from inside his own 22m line all the way to the Ireland try line as Tony Omondi converted the effort for a 7-7 score line.

It remained a fair, pound for pound contest but the Irish inevitably reclaimed the lead at the stroke of half time, Andrew Smith going over the chalk with Roche adding his second conversion of the game for a 14-7 lead at the interval.

Shujaa started the second half with the forward momentum. Kevin Wekesa would gather a seemingly stray pass from Billy Odhiambo, playing in Johnstone Olindi whose offload on the tackle created a try scoring opportunity for Odhiambo who touched down with Omondi converting to once again draw Shujaa level.

Two more tries from Roche however sealed the contest as Ireland picked their first win in the group having lost 7-14 against South Africa in their opener.

Shujaa will now face the Blitzbok at 1025EAT in the final pool match looking to finish the group in third place.

Hong Kongs 7s Results

New Zealand 29 – 5 Kenya

Ireland 26 – 14 Kenya

South Africa vs Kenya – 1025EAT