Shujaa to fight for 7th place playoff after lethargic display in Great Britain defeat

The men's national 7s team, Shujaa, will finish the season opening Dubai Sevens tournament in 7th or 8th place. This is after being blown away 33-5 by Great Britain in the 5th place semi final match played at the Sevens Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Having lost 19-5 to Fiji in a highly physical quarterfinal match played just two hours before, the effects of that match were evident as Kenya put in a lethargic display in the Great Britain rioting act.

Spirited Shujaa knocked out of main cup contention by Fiji

Just a minute in, sloppy play from the Kenyans allowed Tom Williams to give Great Britain the lead after the easiest of tries that he did not hesitate to touch down. The defenders too tired to put in a challenge as Frederick Roddick added the two extra points to give them a 7-0 lead.

After soaking in the early pressure, Shujaa managed to reduce the deficit to 7-5 after recording what would go on to be their only try of the game that came from Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno. The water buffalo powering his way to the line after an endless shifting of side to side play by Shujaa.

The team would then have a chance to close out the first half with the lead but poor handling just metres from the line saw them trail 7-5 at half time

In the second half, four tries from Roddick, Jamie Barden, Tom Bowen and Will Trenholm completed Great Britain’s dominance as the energy drained Kenya struggled to impose themselves whatsoever in the match.

Following the loss, Kenya will now play Ireland in the 7th place playoff at 1513 EAT

Shujaa Day 1 Results

Kenya 7 USA 14

Kenya 17 Argentina 22

Kenya 26 Spain 12

Day 2 Results

Fiji 19-5 Kenya (Quarter Final)

Great Britain 33-5 Kenya (5th place semifinal)

Ireland vs Kenya – 1513 EAT