Kenya Sevens, popularly known as Shujaa, started their Perth 7s campaign on a disappointing note with a 29-14 loss to a dominant New Zealand side at HBF Park, Australia. Despite the defeat, Shujaa displayed resilience and moments of brilliance, thrilling their loyal fans in the opening match on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Coming into the match, Kenya Sevens had a notable history on Australian soil, having reached seven quarterfinals in past tournaments. However, this game echoed their last encounter with New Zealand at the Toulouse Sevens in 2023, where they fell 31-5.
While the result was not in Shujaa’s favor, their fighting spirit and hunger to compete were evident throughout the physically demanding game.
New Zealand took control early on, capitalizing on Kenya’s scrappy start. After Tony Omondi’s kick-off, the All Blacks Sevens quickly showcased their physicality. A turnover led to 19-year-old Thang Thang Vanuk darting over for the opening try, with a successful conversion giving New Zealand a 7-0 lead.
Shujaa struggled to retain possession in the opening minutes, losing a lineout and scrum, gifting New Zealand additional opportunities. Despite the setbacks, Kenya seized on an error by their opponents.
A well-executed kick-and-chase move saw them gain ground, and after forcing a knock-on, Shujaa capitalized on the ensuing scrum. Captain George Ooro finished a coordinated series of passes with Kenya’s first try, sending their fans into rapturous celebrations. Nygel Amaitsa’s conversion brought the score to 7-7.
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Just before the halftime whistle, New Zealand reclaimed the lead. Regan Were outpaced Kenya’s defense to score a brilliant try, despite Ooro’s valiant chase. With a successful conversion, the All Blacks Sevens entered the break ahead 14-7, leaving Shujaa to regroup and plan their second-half strategy.
The second half saw Kenya take advantage of a crucial opportunity. New Zealand’s Ormond was penalized for a high tackle on Kenya’s speedster Patrick Odongo, reducing the All Blacks to six players.
Shujaa capitalized on this numerical advantage, setting up a scrum and delivering a precise series of passes. Amaitsa assisted Odongo, who sprinted over the try line to score Kenya’s second try. Amaitsa’s conversion tied the game at 14-14, reigniting hopes among Kenyan fans.
However, New Zealand’s class shone through in the latter stages. Andrew Knewstubb restored their lead with a well-executed pick-and-go try. Although the conversion was missed, the All Blacks continued to control the game. Codemuru Vai extended their lead with another blistering try, showcasing his pace to outmaneuver Kenya’s defense.
In the closing moments, McGarvey Ngarohi added the final touch for New Zealand with a lightning-fast try and an iconic celebration that solidified their 29-14 victory. While Shujaa’s defense tried to hold firm, the All Blacks’ precision and physicality were too much to handle.
Key Highlights and Player Performances
- Patrick Odongo: The speedster showcased his brilliance with a crucial second-half try, continuing his strong form in the HSBC SVNS series.
- George Ooro: The captain led from the front, scoring Kenya’s opening try and rallying his team in challenging moments.
- Nygel Amaitsa: His accurate conversions and assist for Odongo’s try underlined his value to the team.
Despite the loss, Shujaa’s campaign is far from over. They will shift focus to their next match against Fiji, scheduled for 10:59 am. Known for their flair and unpredictability, Fiji will pose another tough test for Kenya. However, Shujaa’s resilience and determination could see them bounce back.
Kenya must address their challenges in retaining possession, particularly at set-pieces, to stand a chance against Fiji’s dynamic playing style. Improvements in defensive organization and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be key to their success in the tournament.
Kenya Sevens’ fans were a vital part of the atmosphere at HBF Park, injecting energy and morale into the team. Their unwavering support continues to be a cornerstone of Shujaa’s journey in international competitions. Social media platforms were abuzz with encouragement and calls for the team to remain focused on the matches ahead.
This opening match serves as a wake-up call for Shujaa as they navigate a challenging pool. The team has the potential to perform better, as evidenced by their fighting spirit and moments of brilliance against New Zealand. With Patrick Odongo among the top try scorers in the series and young talents stepping up, Kenya Sevens has reasons for optimism.
Beyond the Perth 7s, this tournament offers an opportunity to refine strategies and build momentum for future competitions. The lessons learned here will be invaluable as Shujaa aims to regain its place among the world’s elite rugby sevens teams.
