Shujaa falls to World champions France in Dubai Sevens opener

Shujaa star Patrick Odongo in action. [Shujaa, X]

Ball handling errors and poor kicking marked Kenya Sevens return to the World Rugby Sevens Series on Saturday morning as Shujaa went down 24-19 to Olympic and World champions France in their Dubai Sevens opener.

Gregoire Arfeuil scored in his debut to hand France a second minute 7-0 lead with Paulin Riva adding the extras.

The next five minutes saw both teams defend and attack with no substantial threat in either try box but it was Kenya who ended the first half on top when captain George Ooro broke free from his own half to score a solo try between the sticks and tie the scores 7-7 after Nygel Amaitsa’s conversion.

In the final half, Patrick Odongo announced his arrival at the World series after beating the French defense single handedly from the center, dancing his way between two defenders and scoring another center post try for 14-7 lead in the ninth minute.

Celian Pouzelgues responded for France two minute later to cut the gap to 12-14 with an unconverted try before Ali Dabo’s center post try saw the reigning World champions retake the lead 19-14.

Shujaa coach Kelvin Wambua responded by introducing Ben Salem, Brian Mutua, Floyd Wabwire and Festus Shiasi in search for a reply which he got in the final minute of the match when Salem kicked the ball past the high defense line of the French.

With nobody in the French 22, Salem raced himself to the try box to score near the posts. Shockingly, the substitute narrowly missed the conversion with only seconds left as the scores remained tied at 19-19.

After the hooter, Kenya had the chance to win the game when a quick tap and go from Samwel Asati opened the French defense but Festus Shiasi who was open through to the try box knocked the offload from Asati forward forcing the game to extra time with the scores tied 19-19.

In extra time, Dabo who was also making his debut with the French side broke Shujaa’s heart with a corner post try as France won 24-19. According to the regulations, the team that scores first wins the match.

Kenya will now face off against Dubai Sevens defending champions South Africa at 1.58pm.