Vancouver 7s: Marcos Moneta the tormentor as Argentina whitewash Kenya Sevens

Marcos Moneta's first-half hat-trick compounded Kenya Sevens to a humbling 24-0 loss to Argentina in a physically brutal match played at the BK Arena in Vancouver, Canada on Saturday 22 February.

Shujaa came into this match eager to improve on their 10th-place finish at the Perth 7s in Australia, having taken a month-long break to address their weak areas.

However, they faced a tough challenge against Argentina in snowy conditions, ultimately falling.

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Kenya kicked off the match, but Argentina controlled the early exchanges. A well-executed kick into Kenya’s 22 led to a lineout, which the Argentinians failed to defend, briefly giving Shujaa possession.

However, Kenya could not hold onto the ball for long, and Argentina’s fluid passing game saw Marcos Moneta breakthrough for the first try.

Shujaa’s struggles continued as Argentina capitalized on their errors. A lost lineout put Kenya on the back foot, and things worsened when George Ooro was sent to the sin bin.

With the numerical advantage, Argentina struck again, Moneta crossing the line for his second try. The conversion was however unsuccessful, but Argentina still had firm control of the game.

Kenya’s defensive lapses allowed Argentina to continue piling the pressure, and just before halftime, Moneta completed his hat-trick to put Argentina ahead 17-0 at the break.

Argentina emerged from halftime even stronger. Kenya managed to win possession from a scrum, but their hopes were quickly dashed when Joaquín Pellandini pulled off an impressive solo try to extend Argentina’s lead.

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Shujaa finally enjoyed a spell of possession but struggled to make an impact, feeling the pressure from Argentina’s defense.

In their desperation to regain the ball, Vincent Onyala was sent to the sin bin, further complicating Kenya’s comeback chances.

Argentina missed an opportunity to widen the gap after a knock-on denied them another try.

Kenya had a late chance to get on the scoreboard but could not break through Argentina’s disciplined defense. With full-time approaching, Argentina kicked the ball into touch to seal a commanding 24-0 victory.

Shujaa will be looking to bounce back when they face Paris Olympics champions France at 5:13 AM. France are coming off a loss to Great Britain, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.