LA Sevens: Kenya brought down back to earth after losses to Fiji and Japan

Following a blistering start to the Los Angeles Sevens, Kenya reverted back to their dismal results following losses to Fiji and Japan that cost them a place in the Main Cup quarter-finals.

Shujaa were off to the perfect start following a 12-7 win over the reigning series champions Australia which offered promise of qualification to the Main Cup quarters for the first time this season.

Against Fiji, Shujaa were quickly off the blocks and needed just three minutes to land the game’s first try as a quick tap from Alvin Otieno from the five-meter line handed them five points.

Fiji however recovered from their shaky start with Ponepati Loganimasi’s converted try taking them to break with a slender 7-5 advantage.

The 2019 series winners turned on the style in the second half with Rokoua Rasaku and Iowane Teba landing tries that saw Fiji walk away with a 19-5 victory.

Against Japan who are anchored to the foot of the table, Kenya were expected to win as it was the easiest Pool C fixture on paper but costly errors were Shujaa’s major undoing.

Kevin Wekesa landed the game’s first try but the conversion was missed as they headed to the breather with a slim 5-0 lead.

Japan however returned to the second half a much stronger outfit and crossed the whitewash through Koki Yakushij with Yoshihiro Noguchi adding the extras to win the game 7-5.

Shujaa will now take on Canada in the 9th Place quarter-finals that is slated for an 8:17 PM (EAT) kick-off on Sunday 26 February.