Perth 7s: Kenya Sevens off to a false start after defeat to New Zealand
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 24.01.25. | 08:20
Shujaa will now shift their focus to their next match against Fiji, scheduled for 10:59am
Kenya Sevens commenced their Perth 7s campaign on the wrong footing after going down 29-14 to New Zealand in a physically brutal match played on Friday 24 January at the HBF Park in Australia.
Despite losing to the powerhouses, Shujaa's resilience and hunger shone through. Their fans brought the much-needed energy, injecting life into the encounter.
Coming to the match, Shujaa had reached seven quarterfinals on Australian soil. This recent outing echoed the teams' last meeting on March 3, 2023, at the Toulouse Sevens, where Kenya missed out on cup quarterfinal qualification after a 31-5 loss to New Zealand.
The game began with Tony Omondi kicking off proceedings. New Zealand’s physicality immediately came to the fore, leading to an early turnover.
A quick series of passes saw 19-year-old Thang Thang Vanuk dart over for the first try. A successful conversion saw New Zealand take an early 7-0 lead.
Kenya struggled with a scrappy lineout and a lost scrum, gifting New Zealand more possession.
However, the Kenyans seized on a mistake by their opponents, executing a kick-and-chase to gain ground. Despite Kevin Wekesa being overpowered near the try line, Kenya remained undeterred.
Moments later, Shujaa forced a knock-on and capitalized from the resulting scrum.
A well-coordinated series of passes ended with captain George Ooro scoring Shujaa's first try, sending the Kenyan fans into a frenzy. Nygel Amaitsa’s successful conversion levelled the scores at 7-7.
New Zealand responded with a late first-half try by Regan Were, who raced clear to score despite Ooro’s efforts to chase him down. The All Blacks Sevens led 14-7 at halftime.
The second half began with New Zealand’s Ormond committing a high tackle on Patrick Odongo, reducing the All Blacks to six men.
Kenya took full advantage, setting up a scrum and launching a series of passes that ended with Amaitsa assisting Odongo for Kenya's second try.
Amaitsa's conversion tied the game at 14-14 leaving the Kenyan fans were ecstatic.
However, New Zealand struck back instantly through Andrew Knewstubb, whose pick-and-go try restored their lead. The conversion attempt was missed, but the All Blacks maintained control.
Codemuru Vai outpaced Amaitsa to score another try, stretching New Zealand’s advantage to 24-14.
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In the final moments, McGarvey Ngarohi added a finishing touch for New Zealand with a lightning-fast try and an iconic celebration. Though the conversion attempt was off, New Zealand sealed the win with a 29-14 scoreline.
Shujaa will now shift their focus to their next match against Fiji, scheduled for 10:59 am.
