Fiji secured a brilliant second-half performance to defeat Kenya 7s by 31-12 in their opening match at BC Place in Vancouver.
Shujaa faced a challenging task as they had lost 12 consecutive matches against Fiji before this encounter. Last weekend, the two sides met in the USA and they have differing fortunes in the series this season.
Shujaa had a bright start to the game, capitalizing on an error and winning the ball. Alvin Otieno collected the loose ball and gained ground, releasing the ball to Herman Humwa, who scored the opener.
Unfortunately, Kenya couldn’t add the extra points as the conversion was miscued. Kenya had two more chances to add a try, but they failed to do so following two knock-outs.
Fiji responded with a try through Josese Batirerega, and after Waisea Nacuqu’s successful conversion, they took the lead in the fourth minute.
Kenya allowed Fiji to increase their lead by seven, conceding in the dying minutes of the first half. Manueli Maisamoa set up Anasa Qaranivalu who scored for a 12-5 halftime lead.
Kenya 7s came back stronger in the second half, and Alvin Otieno’s strong carry off a ruck saw him stretch and score, leveling the game at 12-12 after a successful conversion.
However, Shujaa conceded two successive penalties, and Fiji took advantage of the situation. Manueli Maisamoa’s fantastic play saw him break through Kenya’s defense and offload to Josese Batirerega, who sped off for the third try that was converted by Ponepati Loganimasi, giving Fiji a 19-12 lead.
Fiji scored their fourth try straight off the kick-off, as Jeremaia Matana collected the ball and scored before sealing their victory with another try after a break on the left wing.
Kenya will face Great Britain in their second match, which is scheduled for 4:54 East African Time.
Friday
Great Britain 45-5 Uruguay
Fiji vs Kenya 10.52pm
South Africa vs France 11.14pm
Argentina vs Japan 11.36pm
Saturday March 4 March 2023
Samoa vs Spain 00.01
New Zealand vs USA 00.23
Ireland vs Canada 00.45
Australia vs Chile 1.07am
Great Britain vs Kenya 4.54am
Fiji vs Uruguay 5.16am
South Africa vs Japan 5.38am
Argentina vs France 6am
Samoa vs USA 6.37am
New Zealand vs Spain 7.05am
Australia vs Canada 8.03am
Uruguay vs Kenya 11.20pm
Fiji vs Great Britain 11.42pm
France vs Japan 00.04
Argentina vs South Africa 00.26
Spain vs USA 00.51
New Zealand vs Samoa 1.13am
Canada vs Chile 1.35am
Australia vs Ireland 1.57am
