NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Kenya 7s suffer late heartbreak against Ireland in London 7s opener

By Amanga collins

Posted on May 28, 2022

Kenya 7s Collins Shikoli attacks against the France defense on day one of the HSBC France Sevens men's competition at Stade Toulousain on 20 May, 2022 in Toulouse, France. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

Kenya 7s conceded in the final seconds of the game to lose 17-14 against Ireland in the London 7s opening match played at Twickenham stadium.

Both sides headed to this match with contrasting fortunes. Ireland had reached the maiden World 7s Series final last weekend losing to Fiji. Shujaa, on the other hand, had performed dismally picking just one point which saw them drop to 12th on the World 7s Series log.

Aaron O’Sullivan landed Ireland’s opening try for a 5-0 lead at the fourth minute. Kenya 7s launched the search for an equalizer but their attempts were cut short by Ireland’s defence. Ireland held on the slim lead for a 5-0 lead at the breather.

In the second half, Shujaa came back stronger and scored through Edmund Anya and Tony Omondi converted for a 7-5 lead.

Ireland fought back to reclaim their lead after Jordan Conroy slipped past Shujaa defence and scored the second try that stretched their lead by five points.

Archadius Khwesa came off the bench to score his first ever World 7s Series try. The try was converted for a 14-12 lead with seconds to play.

Ireland managed to gain access in Kenya’s zone and Anya was penalized for a high tackle. From the penalty the ball was moved to the right wing for Terry Kennedy to score the winning try.

Earlier, New Zealand kicked off their campaign with a 24-19 win over Australia. Joe Webber, Brady Rush, Caleb Tangitau and Leroy Carter tries were enough for the All Blacks 7s to win the match. Autralia had scored through Matthew Gonzalez, Henry Paterson and Nick Malouf.

France also won their opener with Joachim Trouabal, Jonathan Laugel and Nelson Epee scoring their tries. Elias Ergas and Alex Russell were Canada scorers.

Dewald Human, Muller du Plessis, James Murphy and Angelo Davids tries were enough for South Africa to defeat Argentina 26-19. Tobias Wade, Marcos Moneta and German Schulz were Argentina’s scorers.

London 7s results (timings in EAT)

Australia 19-24 New Zealand
France 19-14 Canada
Argentina 19-26 South Africa
Ireland 17-14 Kenya 7s
USA vs Spain 12:38
Fiji vs Wales 13:00
England vs Scotland 13:22
Samoa vs Japan 13:44

Australia vs Canada 14:16
France vs New Zealand 14:38
Argentina vs Kenya 15:00
Ireland vs South Africa 15:22
USA vs Wales 15:44
Fiji vs Spain 16:06
England vs Japan 16:28
Samoa vs Scotland 16:50
New Zealand vs Canada 17:24
France vs Australia 17:46
South Africa vs Kenya 18:08
Ireland vs Argentina 18:30
Spain vs Wales 19:07
Fiji vs USA 19:35
Scotland vs Japan 20:05
Samoa vs England 20:33