- Shujaa lost to Argentina in the round of 16
- Kenya drops out of Cup contention
- They will now play in the Challenge Trophy
Kenya has dropped out of Cup contention at the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, after losing 22-7 to Argentina in the round of 16 on Friday night. The loss now means Kenya will have to drop to the Challenge Trophy, where they will take on Scotland in the quarter finals on Saturday.
Shujaa had gone into the World Cup with high hopes of making at least the Cup quarters, but a tough draw against an on form Argentina meant the dream was halted.
The Argentine Pumas ran in four tries, one of which was converted against Kenya’s single converted try.
Kenya had a slow start and were punished early on with Johnstone Olindi sent to the sin bin for an illegal tackle. Argentina used their numbers and from the resultant scrum, dotted down their first try when the ball was spread out to Matias Osadczuk.
The number nine saw space on the left and managed to weave his way to touch down, the conversion going wide.
Argentina exploit Shujaa’s left channel
Collins Injera in action against Argentina. PHOTO/Kenya Rugby Union
From the same left channel, with Shujaa still down by a man, Argentina dotted down their second of the afternoon. Kenya lost possession easily and the ball was once again spread down the left, Joaquin De La Vega dotting down.
He was a bit fortunate as he found space when Willy Ambaka slipped and fell as he tried to start off a run for a tackle.
They went to the break with a healthy 15-0 lead with the third unconverted try, again from the left channel. This time, the Kenyan backline was stretched and when the ball was spread out, Tobias Wade was isolated and he made an easy try.
In the second half, Kenya started better and just within the opening minute, Vincent Onyala drew one back. The lanky centre picked the ball deep into Kenya’s 22 and a spin away from three of his markers accorded him a window of space and he ran the length of the pitch down the middle to dot down under the posts.
Sammy Oliech sliced the posts for a 15-7 score.
Kenya’s comeback hopes thwarted
Collins Injera in action against Argentina. PHOTO/Kenya Rugby Union
However, Kenya’s hope of a comeback were thwarted when a case of indiscipline cost them again after Oliech was sent to the sin bin. Alejo Lavayen dotted down after Argentina won back possession, his tricky feet leaving Kevin Wekesa down on his bum before he went under the posts.
Shujaa had qualified for the round of 16 after seeing off Tonga 21-0 in the first round with three converted tries.
Willy Ambaka, skipper Nelson Oyoo and Vincent Onyala dotted down a try each with Sammy Oliech converting two while the third conversion was missed by the returning Collins Injera.
Coach Damian McGrath will now look towards a strong finish and victory in the Challenge Trophy will be agood platform to end his first tenure with Shujaa as he looks to build on towards next season.
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