NAIROBI, May 9- Kenya once again crashed out of the Main Cup quarters after losing their two opening Pool B matches in row as Glasgow 7s action got underway Saturday.
In much improved displays against giants, Shujaa first surrendered 7-22 to New Zealand All Blacks Sevens before South Africa’s Blitzbokke handed them a 5-22 defeat to dump Felix Ochieng’s side out of the main competition with a game to spare against Samoa in their last fixture.
In the sixth fixture of the ninth Scottish tournament, where close scores have been the norm, the All Blacks Sevens once again used Joe Webber as one of their primary weapons.
The Hamilton Boys High School flyer scored in the opening minute, but from there Kenya settled into their routine.
Playing with verve and a little more individuality than New Zealand, the lightning fast Africans kept hustling Sir Gordon Tietjens’ team, who duly stuck to their structures and did not let their opponents through.
Eventually the side cornered the Kenyans and Webber again pounced, crossing in the fifth minute.
Beaudein Waaka, after missing his first chance, struck the second conversion over to make it a 12-0 game at halftime.
The power game of the All Blacks Sevens was in play during the second half, with DJ Forbes and Sherwin Stowers crossing in a torrid two minutes for Kenya as their defence was unable to cope.
Yet Kenya kept probing and were eventually rewarded when Shujaa based try scorer Augustine Ligamy crossed the white line in the 13th minute, with the “Homeboyz” star (a club based in Nairobi) adding his own extras.
Against African rivals and series leaders South Africa, record try scorer Collins Injera used his guile and speed to give Kenya the perfect start against Blitzbokke.
Kenya come knocking once more and look to double the lead but for Kwagga Smith’s intervention on the line.
Seabelo Senatla looked to score at the death, but Odiambe saved for an outstanding half from Kenya who completed the most dominant opening period of play against the leaders this season as an upset looked on the cards.
But South Africa started at pace in the second half and looked a markedly different side as Kyle Brown went over on the right flank.
The conversion was missed but Senatla finished off a coast-to-coast move for the second try in the as many minutes as Kenya once again crumbled after the break and soon, pure class from the Blitzbokke star saw him brilliantly change pace and accelerated for third to seal the game.