Nobody saw this coming. Kenya Sevens are Singapore Sevens silver medallists.
Well, it would have been sweeter if Shujaa could have repeated their 2016 heroics when they stunned Fiji 30-7 to win their only HSBC SVNS leg, Singapore Sevens.
However, history didn’t repeat itself on Sunday. Despite taking a narrow 7-0 halftime lead, Shujaa were no match for the clinical Fijians who blitzed past the Kenyan defence in the final half to win 21-12 after touching down three tries.
Okay! We might say Kenya were short handed after their talisman, Patrick Odongo, missed the final due to an injury and thus Fiji faced a less dangerous Shujaa side.
Remember, Odongo is sitting top amongst the best try scorers in the 2024-2025 HSBC SVNS season, having scored 22 tries.
Shujaa began the final firmly, defending with ease every attack from Fiji. Their consistency in defence was rewarded in the final minutes of the first half when Nygel Amaitsa finished off a well executed kick and chase by Vincent Onyala to convert for 7-0 lead.
In the second half, Viwa Navudalo broke free from the left wing, outpacing a chasing Festus Shiasi to score near the posts for 7-7 after Sakiusa Siqila added the extras.
A penalty awarded to Fiji near Kenya’s 22 proved costly for Kelvin Wambua’s men after Navudalo dummied his way to the centre post from the resultant scrum as Kenya trailed 14-7.
Rauto Vakadranu sealed Fiji’s comeback win with a late try for 21-7. Jones Kubu unconverted try did no harm to Fiji who went on to win 21-12.
Shujaa who were impressive in Singapore despite not winning the final will return home with their heads held high after losing only one match.
Despite coming into the tournament behind a 10th place finish at the Hong Kong Sevens, Kenya showed a fighting spirit in Singapore.
On Saturday, Kenya Sevens got off their Singapore Sevens campaign on the front foot after thrashing Ireland 17-7 in the opening match at the Singapore National Stadium. Kevin Wekesa, Nygel Amaitsa and Patrick Odongo were all on target for Shujaa.
In the second match, Shujaa stunned world series champions France 10-7 to top Group C and make it to the semis where they faced Spain.
Patrick Odongo scored a brace in the semis to inspire Kenya to a 12-7 win to set up the final against Fiji.
The eight men’s teams who will compete in the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles are confirmed as Argentina, Fiji, Spain, South Africa, France, New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain.
Unfortunately, Kenya will join Ireland, Uruguay and USA in the relegation and promotion playoffs after failing to finish among the top eight teams.
The four teams will battle the top four teams from the World Rugby Challenger Series in a winner takes it all playoff set for May in Los Angeles.
