Kenya 7s hold off Canada in SVNS 2 Nairobi opener to joining USA, Germany on winning list

Kenya 7s began their SVNS 2 Nairobi campaign on a winning note, edging Canada 29–12 in the final match of the opening round at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday morning.

Kevin Wambua’s charges struck first after Chrissant Ojwang released Patrick Odongo on the right wing for the opening try. Shujaa continued to suffocate Canada inside their own 22, and Ojwang then pounced on a loose ball to score, giving Kenya a 12–0 lead.

Nygel Amaitsa then released Odongo for his second try as Kenya stretched the score to 17–0.

Canada responded before the break through Morgan Di Nardo, and Kalin Sager crossed early in the second half to keep them in the contest.

Shujaa, however, remained composed. Amaitsa sold a brilliant dummy and raced under the posts to restore Kenya’s cushion at 24–12. Off the bench, Festus Shiashi sealed the result after shaking off his markers to dive in at the corner.

Germany rally past Uruguay

Germany came from behind to edge Uruguay 19–14. Uruguay raced into an early lead through Diego Ardao and Ignacio Alvarez Akiki, with Juan Manuel Tafernaberry adding the conversions for a 14–0 advantage.

Felix Hufnagel pulled one back for Germany before the break. Maximilian Heid then crossed in the corner, with Hufnagel converting to level the scores at 14–14. Hufnagel later scored the winning try, though he missed the conversion.

USA dominate Belgium

The USA were ruthless in a 40–0 demolition of Belgium. The Eagles struck twice in two minutes through David Still and Pita Vi, with Lucas Lacamp adding the conversions for a 14–0 lead.

Lacamp then dotted down after a darting run to make it 21–0. Aaron Cummings and Vi added further tries in the second half before Steve Tomasin completed the rout.

South Africa came from behind twice to defeat Spain 14–12 in a pulsating opener.

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Spain struck first after forcing a turnover, with Paula Requena racing through for the opening try, converted by Carmen Miranda Miralles. Nadine Roos responded for South Africa to make it 7–7 at the break.

Spain regained the lead through Silvia Morales, but Liske Lategan crossed late, with Roos adding the conversion to secure a narrow South African victory.

Lionesses comeback

Kenya Lionesses also staged a dramatic comeback, beating Brazil 15–12.

Brazil led 12–0 after tries from Thalia Costa and Bianca Silva. Janet Okello pulled one back just before halftime.

In the second half, Stella Wafula dived over to close the gap before a quick tap saw Naomi Amuguni receive a pass from Okello to score the match-winning try, which the Lionesses defended to the final whistle.