Kenya 7s

Kenya 7s go down fighting against Fiji in Los Angeles 7s

By Amanga collins

Posted on February 26, 2023

Kenya 7s Kevin Wekesa attacks against the Fiji defense on day one of the HSBC Canada Sevens at BC Place Stadium on 16 April, 2022 in Vancouver, Canada. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

Kenya 7s’ hopes of reaching the quarterfinals of the Los Angeles Sevens will come down to their final group stage match, following a 19-5 loss to Fiji.

Fiji now have six points in the group, while both Kenya and Australia are tied on four points each.

Both Kenya and Fiji had won their opening matches, with Kenya beating Australia 12-7 and Fiji scoring a 50-point win over Japan.

Kenya started strong and won a penalty in Fiji’s danger zone, which Alvin Otieno quickly tapped and dived over for the first try of the match.

Ponepati Loganimas responded with a try for Fiji, converted by Waisea Nacuqu, to bring the score to 7-5. Kenya had a chance to score before halftime, but Fiji held them off to lead by two points going into the break.

In the second half, Kenya defended well against Fiji’s attacks but eventually succumbed to Rokoua Rasaku in the 12th minute.

Edmund Anya’s attempt to stop Iowane Teba from scoring Fiji’s final try in the 14th minute was unsuccessful, as Teba stretched out to touch down.

Kenya now need to win their final match against Japan set for 7:12 AM EAT to reach the first quarterfinals of the season.

Great Britain 7 – 5 Argentina

France19 – 7 Spain

Samoa 26 – 19 USA

New Zealand 26 – 7 Chile

Australia 7 – 12 Kenya 7s

Fiji 50 – 0 Japan

Ireland 7 – 0 Uruguay

South Africa 12 – 0 Canada

Great Britain 24 – 17 Spain