Solidarity 7s: Shujaa settle for second after South Africa defeat

Kenya Sevens finished second in the Rugby Africa Solidarity 7s following a 31-5 defeat to South Africa in the final staged at Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Shujaa failed to bag a single win against the Blitzbokke in the tournament as they tasted defeat on four occasions, twice last week and this week.

After a dominant start to the game, South Africa finally made their authority in the game count as they touched down through Sako Makata after a cross-kick from Selvyn Davids but Justin Geduld missed the conversion.

South Africa grabbed their second try of the match two minutes later when Geduld set up Davids with a grubber kick as he touched down for a 12-0 lead following a successful conversion.

Shujaa should have eased Innocent Simiyu’s half time team talk when Billy Odhiambo breached the South Africa defence to set up Collins Injera but he could not hold on to the ball as he knocked it over.

The Blitzbokke had a similar start to the second half as they extended their advantage a minute after the restart when Selvyn offloaded the ball to Angelo Davids to put his name on the scorecard for a 19-0 lead.

The duo was again on hand to register another try as Angelo received the ball off the boot of Selvyn to touch down for his second with South Africa grabbing hold of a commanding 24-0 lead.

Alvin Otieno raced from the halfway line to score Kenya’s first try of the game but Daniel Tabu missed the conversion.

Muller du Preez ensured South Africa cruised to a 31-5 victory with a try in the final minute of the game that was converted by Franco du Preez.

Shujaa now turns their attention to the Gold 7s set for June 25-26 in Los Angeles, USA, with Argentina, Samoa and South Korea confirming their participation.