Shujaa finish twelfth in Rugby World Cup tourney

The men’s national rugby 7s side Shujaa were left to settle for a twelfth place finish at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Cape Town, South Africa following their 26-19 defeat at the hands of familiar foes USA in a Challenge Trophy 11th place playoff encounter staged on Sunday evening.

After appearing to be in control of the match, a second half brace from USA speedster Perry Baker tore the preferred script as the Damian McGrath coached side lost their last match of the tourney.

Kenya became the first side to surge in the match when a clever Vincent Onyala spotted an unmarked gap on the outside which he attacked after picking the ball from a ruck. Sammy Oliech would ensure the team got the full complement of points as he successfully converted to give the team a 0-7 lead.

The USA however managed to find an almost immediate response after a Kenya lineout error gifted them easy possession which winger Lucas Lacamp used well as he beat the Kenyan markers with his sheer pace, Steve Tomasin converting as the two teams went into the break level at 7-7.

In the second half, the slippery Nelson Oyoo then touched down Kenya’s second converted try as he completed a beautifully executed scrum move that left the Americans in sixes and sevens.

The USA however managed to get level again through Malachi Esdale’s converted try before Baker’s brace, one converted and one missed, late on ensured that Jeff Oluoch’s try in the final seconds of the game proved to be only a mere consolation for Kenya.

2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens Results

Pre-Round of 16

Kenya 19-0 Tonga

Round of 16

Kenya 7-22 Argentina

Challenge Trophy Quarterfinal

Kenya 24-7 Scotland

Challenge Trophy Semifinal

Kenya 0-36 England

11th place Playoff

Kenya 19-26 USA