Perth 7s: Shujaa fall to New Zealand in opener

Kenya Sevens kicked off their Perth Sevens campaign on the back foot after falling to New Zealand 29-14 in their Group C opener played on Friday morning.

Shujaa, seeking to build on their seventh place finish at the Cape Town Sevens leg have their work cut out for them in the tough pool comprising of Fiji and Uruguay apart from the All Blacks.

In the match, the Kelvin Wambua side got off to a poor start after conceding in the first minute after debutant Frank Vaenuku crossed over the white wash after just 30 seconds to give New Zealand the lead, a try that Ngarohi McGarvey-Black converted for 7-0.

A series of brilliant defending from Shujaa followed, keeping the All Blacks at bay before captain George Ooro led by example after shrugging off two defenders before scoring between the posts. Nygel Amaitsa added the extras as Kenya tied the scores at 7-7.

Regan Ware however restored New Zealand’s advantage with a try after the hooter for the All Black to take a 14-7 half time lead after McGarvey added the extras.

In the final half, Patrick Odongo sold a pair of wheels to score a try converted by Amaitsa, tying the game at 14-14.

Kenya’s comeback attempt was however thwarted after Andrew Knewstubb capitalized on a ruck to score, reclaiming the lead for New Zealand at 19-14 with an unconverted try.

CodyVai added another try to stretch the margin before McGarvey-Black’s quick reaction off a lineout sealed the 29-14 victory for New Zealand.

Shujaa will be back in action against Fiji at 10:59.