Kenya 7s

Kenya 7s miss Los Angeles Cup quarters after disappointing Japan loss

By Amanga collins

Posted on February 26, 2023

Kenya 7s players huddle in a World 7s Series event, Photo Courtesy/World Rugby.Kenya 7s players huddle in a World 7s Series event, Photo Courtesy/World Rugby.

Kenya 7s hopes of reaching the Los Angeles 7s quarterfinals were shattered by a shocking 7-5 loss to Japan in their final Pool C match.

Despite coming into the game with a clear objective of securing maximum point to reach the maiden quarters this season, Kenya were unable to deliver as Japan put up a strong performance, allowing only one try throughout the match.

Kevin Wekesa’s try after three minutes gave Kenya an early lead with his try being the lone try of the first half.

Koki Yakushiji scored a try that was converted by Yoshihiro Noguchi, putting Japan in front with a 7-5 lead.

Japan’s solid defense denied Shujaa any scoring opportunities, and they were unable to take advantage of a penalty in the dying minutes of the game.

In the end, Kenya’s failed to capitalize on the later penalty with Tony Omondi knocking on in the final seconds after the hooter and Japan emerged as deserving winners.

The loss is a huge blow to Kenya’s aspirations of making it to the quarterfinals which would have boosted their ranking at the end of the tournament.

Australia join Fiji in the quarters while Shujaa and Japan who had five points each drop to the ninth place quarters.

Results

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