Shujaa hit new low with loss to Japan

Shujaa’s poor outing in the Toulouse 7s was exacerbated after a 28-12 loss to Japan in the 13-16 place playoffs in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Shujaa had a nightmare start to the game as they went behind to Moeki Fukushi's try who received a pass wide and showed a clean pair of heels to touch down with the conversion perfect from Taiga Ishida.

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Herman Humwa’s pass when Kenya were inside the Japan 22-meter line found Taiga Ishida who raced almost the entire length of the field to grab a try of his own which he converted to hand Japan a 14-0 lead.

Another poor restart cost Shujaa as they failed to get hold of the ball with Timo Fitisufia powering his way into the try line despite Nelson Oyoo’s best efforts to smother the try.

Bush Mwale who has been one of the few shining lights for Shujaa in an otherwise dark season gave Kenya a glimmer of hope when he grabbed a try, catching the Japan defense napping and strolling to the try box to go into the break trailing 21-7.

Japan had a mirror start to the second half as Taiga Ishida who proved a handful for Shujaa touched down between the sticks to cap off the Asian nation’s wonderful play from the breakdowns.

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Nondescript full-back Salem Adoyo who was playing in his debut HSBC World Sevens Series tournament collected a grubber kick to touch down and briefly celebrated his first-ever try before quickly resetting for a restart.

Japan however held on for the 28-12 win to hand themselves a shot in the arm in a bid to survive relegation.