USA edge Shujaa in Dubai 7s opener

Kenya Shujaa Friday started their 2021/22 World Rugby Sevens Series campaign with a 14-7 loss to USA at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

Coach Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu’s men went into this Pool “B” fixture having lost to the Americans 26-17 in December 2014 and 21-19 in December 2016 at the same venue.

In their latest defeat, Shujaa, who had not won a group stage match in Dubai in the last two editions of the Series, soaked in pressure in the first five minutes before Stephen Tomasin scored and converted his own try for a 7-0 lead.

Shujaa had the chance to use their one-man advantage after a sin-bin just before half-time but lost it from a well-defended scrum with Alvin “Buffa” Otieno the culprit.

The Safari Sevens winners began the second half brightly after Daniel Taabu was introduced and he left Folau Niua for dead. His break gained crucial ground for Shujaa before being stopped by speedster Perry Baker near the uprights.

Baker’s tackle mattered little as Herman Humwa was on hand to claim the loose ball and land with Taabu converting to level the scores.

Mike Friday’s men responded almost immediately after Logan Tago fended off a tackle from Levy Amunga, running straight down the right flank to score with Tomasin converting to see the USA retake the lead, 14-7 with 3.38 to play. USA held on to the lead until full time.

Up next for Shujaa is a clash against Argentina, who hammered Spain 28-7, at 1.30pm. Shujaa will complete their group matches with a date against Spain at 4.02pm.

Day One Results so far

South Africa 28-07 Ireland

Great Britain 17-12 Japan

USA 14-07 Kenya 

Argentina 28-07 Spain 

Pools

A - Fiji, Australia, Canada, France

B - Argentina, USA, Kenya, Spain

C - Great Britain, South Africa, Ireland, Japan