Shujaas’ disappointing run at the Vancouver 7s continued as they suffered a 33-7 defeat to a dominant France in their second pool match at BC Place Stadium. This loss followed a 24-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening game, leaving Kevin Wambua’s side still searching for their first victory in Canada.
Shujaa’s Defensive Struggles Cost Them Early
Heading into the match, Kenya hoped to bounce back from their opening defeat, but France quickly exposed their defensive weaknesses. The game started with France dominating possession, pinning Shujaa in their own half.
It didn’t take long for France to break through. A poorly defended lineout allowed Simone Desert to crash over for the opening try, capitalizing on Kenya’s misjudgment in the air. The try was converted, giving France a 7-0 lead.
Kenya attempted to respond with structured play, but unforced errors prevented them from gaining any momentum. France struck again soon after when Stephen Parez spotted a gap in Kenya’s defensive line. A quick offload and fast hands saw him go over for the second try, extending their advantage to 14-0.
Shujaa’s inability to control possession and their defensive lapses continued to cost them. Another turnover in midfield gifted France yet another attacking opportunity, and they made no mistake. A well-worked move saw them add their third try, and with the conversion successful, the score ballooned to 19-0 in favor of the French side.
Patrick Odongo’s Spark of Brilliance Gives Kenya Hope
Despite the early setback, Kenya refused to go down without a fight. As the clock ticked toward halftime, Patrick Odongo, Kenya’s top try-scorer in the series, provided a much-needed response.
Patrick Odongo is FLYING in Vancouver ️#HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSVAN | @KenyaSevens pic.twitter.com/uJl3oNEKiQ
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) February 22, 2025
Receiving the ball just inside the opposition’s half, Odongo showcased his incredible speed and elusive footwork, cutting through the French defense. He powered through the final tackle to touch down for his 12th try of the series. The successful conversion reduced the deficit to 19-7 as the halftime whistle blew.
France Extends Lead as Kenya Fails to Convert Chances
Coming into the second half, Kenya looked determined to build on Odongo’s momentum. They had a promising start with Jone Kubu making a strong carry into French territory. However, the attack faltered once again in the green zone, as Kenya failed to convert their opportunities into points.
France, on the other hand, remained clinical. They capitalized on Kenya’s inability to finish their attacking plays by countering with a well-executed set-piece move, leading to yet another converted try. The score widened to 26-7, leaving Kenya with an even bigger mountain to climb.
As the game entered the final stages, Shujaa’s attack remained blunt. France’s aggressive defense forced handling errors, and Kenya struggled to string together multiple attacking phases.
The final nail in the coffin came in the dying minutes when France secured another turnover inside Kenya’s half. Quick hands and sharp movement saw them score their fifth and final try of the game. With the conversion successfully added, the match ended 33-7 in favor of France.
Kenya’s Attack Continues to Struggle
Shujaa’s poor attacking form remains a major concern. In two matches at the Vancouver 7s, Kenya has managed just one try, highlighting their struggles in breaking down well-organized defenses.
One of the key issues has been their inability to retain possession for extended phases. Against both Argentina and France, Kenya turned the ball over multiple times in crucial moments, allowing their opponents to capitalize.
Another challenge has been decision-making in attack. Despite creating scoring opportunities, Kenya’s execution in the final third has been subpar, leading to missed chances that have proved costly.
Defensive Frailties Continue to Haunt Shujaa
While the attack has struggled, the defense has also been far from solid. Kenya’s tackling has been inconsistent, and their set-piece defense, particularly in lineouts, has allowed opponents to score easily.
We fall short to France in our second pool Game .Up next we face Great Britain at 10:58 PM EAT in the final pool game.#Shujaa #SportpesaNashujaa #MpesaPowersKenya7s #SafaricomRugby @ArigiObiero pic.twitter.com/CNjtpaiVb0
— Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) February 22, 2025
The lack of aggression at the breakdown has also hurt Kenya, as they have struggled to slow down opposition attacks or force turnovers. Against a side as clinical as France, these defensive lapses proved to be the difference.
What’s Next for Shujaa?
With two heavy defeats, Kenya now turns its focus to its final pool match against Great Britain at 10:58 PM (EAT). This match presents an opportunity for Kevin Wambua’s side to salvage some pride and avoid finishing bottom of their group.
A victory against Great Britain would not only boost morale but also provide much-needed momentum heading into the next round of matches in the World Rugby Sevens Series. However, it will require a significant improvement in both attack and defense if they are to secure their first win in Vancouver.
France Set for a Tough Test Against Argentina
With two wins under their belt, France now faces Argentina in their final pool match. Both teams have looked sharp, and their encounter will likely decide the group winner.
France’s dominant performance against Kenya showcased their well-structured attack and solid defensive setup, making them a strong contender as the tournament progresses.
Shujaa’s Struggles Reflect a Bigger Issue
Kenya’s poor performances at the Vancouver 7s are not isolated incidents. Over the past few tournaments, Shujaa has struggled to compete at the highest level.
Their lack of consistency, failure to convert chances, and defensive weaknesses have seen them fall behind the top teams in the World Rugby Sevens Series. If Kenya is to regain its competitive edge, the team must address these critical issues.
Coach Kevin Wambua has a tough task ahead as he looks to rebuild the squad’s confidence and instill discipline in both attack and defense. The next match against Great Britain will be a crucial test to see if Shujaa can turn things around.
Final Thoughts
Kenya’s campaign at the Vancouver 7s has been challenging, with two successive defeats exposing the team’s weaknesses. However, there is still hope as they prepare for their final pool match.
A win against Great Britain could provide a much-needed confidence boost and set the foundation for better performances in future tournaments. Fans will be hoping for a resilient display, and all eyes will be on whether Shujaa can overcome their struggles and finish the tournament on a high note.
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