At Last, Shujaa Make Cup Quarters: Wales Comeback Fires Kenya To Paris 7s Last Eight

1st June 2019 - by Mutwiri Mutuota

Battling Paul Murunga's mean storm from 0-14 down to win final Pool B clash 26-19 to keep hopes of escaping relegation alive on Saturday evening

Kenya's Andrew Amonde runs in a try against South Africa on day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris on 1 June, 2019. PHOTO: Mike Lee /KLC fotos for World Rugby

SUMMARY

Following their brave comeback victory over Wales, Shujaa needed a big favour from fellow Africans, the Blitzbokke to make the last eight of the Cup competition and South Africa duly obliged- but only just-when they survived another fightback to beat Australia 19-17 to carry Kenya with them to the quarterfinals
Paul Murunga's men emerged for the second half a transformed side, with Jeff Oluoch and Bush Mwale dotting down in quick succession to haul their side level before a Nelson Oyoo brace completed the comeback
HM Du Plessis and Soyizwapi’s tries sandwiched Ojee’s five-pointer in the first half before Amonde closed the half as he landed a center post try, Michael Wanjala adding the extras for a 12-10 Shujaa lead at the breather

PARIS, France- Shujaa kept their hopes of avoiding relegation from the HSBC World Sevens Series alive when a storming second half lifted them to a stirring 26-21 victory over Wales in their last Pool B match of the season-closing Paris 7s that saw them qualify for the Main Cup quarters for the first time this term.

Needing to better Japan's results to escape losing their Core Status, Kenya knew their game against Wales was a must win affair after opening their campaign with a 19-19 draw with Australia before going down to pool favourites South Africa 12-29.

Following their brave comeback victory over Wales, Shujaa needed a big favour from fellow Africans, the Blitzbokke to make the last eight of the Cup competition and South Africa duly obliged- but only just-when they survived another fightback to beat Australia 19-17 to carry Kenya with them to the quarterfinals.

They will now play Series title-chasing USA 7s coached by former boss Mike Friday at 12:50pm Kenyan time (+3GMT).

MUST READ: Shujaa Let Advantage Slip In Opening Paris 7s Draw With Australia

Joe Goodchild got Wales off the mark against the Kenyans after a well worked move by his teammates, finished off with a successful Ethan Davies conversion. Goodchild followed that up his fifth try of the weekend continue his scorching form under the French sun as Joe Oluoch hit back for Shujaa to leave Kenya trailing 0-14 at the break.

Quick succession

Paul Murunga's men emerged for the second half a transformed side, with Jeff Oluoch and Bush Mwale dotting down in quick succession to haul their side level before a Nelson Oyoo brace completed the comeback.

Owen Jenkins cut the deficit to five when he grounded the third try for Wales but Shujaa held on for one of their biggest victories of what has been a painful season.

In their second Pool B encounter, captain Jacob Ojee and his predecessor Andrew Amonde who marked a personal milestone in France scored Shujaa’s two tries in their match against South Africa as they went down 12-29.

HM Du Plessis and Soyizwapi’s tries sandwiched Ojee’s five-pointer in the first half before Amonde closed the half as he landed a center post try, Michael Wanjala adding the extras for a 12-10 Shujaa lead at the breather.

In spite of Shujaa’s defensive efforts in the second half, they were unable to stop the Boks landed three tries.

MUST READ: Advantage Bandari: Rains Halt SportPesa Shield Final At Half Time