HSBC SVNS 2: False start for Kenya Sevens, Lionesses in Montevideo

Kenya’s national rugby sevens sides endured a challenging start at the second leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series, with both Shujaa and the Lionesses falling to defeats in their opening matches at the Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo on Saturday, 21 March.

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Shujaa suffered a narrow 14-10 loss to the United States in a tightly contested Pool clash, despite racing to an early lead that briefly put them in control.

The Kenyans made a blistering start, striking within the opening minute through John Okoth Okeyo, though Nygel Amaitsa missed the conversion to leave the score at 5-0.

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Moments later, Vincent Onyala crossed over for a second unconverted try, extending Kenya’s advantage to 10-0 inside the first four minutes.

However, the USA responded swiftly. David Still touched down before Will Chevalier added the extras to cut the deficit to 10-7.

The momentum then swung decisively in favour of the Americans just before halftime, with Orrin Bizer scoring and Chevalier converting to hand the USA a 14-10 lead at the break.

Both sides made tactical changes in the second half, with Kenya head coach Kevin Wambua introducing Kevin Wekesa, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire and Dennis Abukuse in a bid to regain control.

The USA also rotated their squad, bringing on Steve Tomasin, Ben Brosselle and Marcus Tupuola.

Despite the adjustments, neither team managed to breach the other’s defense in the second half, as the Americans held firm to seal victory.

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The result sees Uruguay top the standings after a 26-7 win over Belgium, while Shujaa sit fourth with a losing bonus point. Kenya will now shift focus to their next Pool fixture against Canada, scheduled for 21:20 EAT.

Kenya Lionesses

Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses also opened their campaign with a defeat, going down 19-5 to China in a match that came to life after a cagey first half.

Coached by Simon Odongo, the Lionesses were aiming to bounce back from a disappointing first leg in Nairobi, where they finished fifth, but struggled to impose themselves early on.

The opening half ended scoreless as both sides maintained strong defensive structures.

Kenya eventually broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, with Edith Nariaka crossing the try line to give the Lionesses a 5-0 lead. However, Sinaida Nyachio missed the conversion, a moment that would prove costly.

China responded almost immediately, as Gao Xiaoyang scored and Hua Beibei converted to give the Asians a 7-5 lead. The pressure continued to mount, with Le Zhang adding another try, again converted by Hua, stretching the lead to 14-5.

China sealed the result in the closing stages through Chen Can, whose try extended the gap further, despite the missed conversion.