Samurai bag Safari Sevens title as Simbas dent World Cup bid in France

Samurai were on Sunday crowned the Safari Sevens champions after outclassing defending champions Shujaa 21-14 at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi.

Samurai ran three converted tries against Shujaa’s two converted tries.

In Marseille, France Kenya Simbas suffer a 65-19 hiding in the hands of Canada in the repechage to dent their quest for next year’s Rugby 15s World Cup finals set for Japan.

The Ian Snook coached charges must now win against Germany and Hong Kong to reignite the dream.

The Canadians started on a high leading 27-12 by halftime but it was Leo Seje who was impressive on this particular day for the Simbas scoring two converted tries.

At the RFUEA, Reard Musad scored Samurai’s first try which Augustine Lugonzo converted for a 7-0 lead. Dennis Ombachi got a knock in the early minutes but was allowed to continue with the match.

Mwamba’s winger Dennis Taabu opened Shujaa’s account after a one-two passes which Harlequins Eden Agero converted.

Johnstone Olindi also put his name on the score sheet for Shujaa, but Samurai responded near instantly to make the scores tie at 14-14 by halftime.

Determined Samurai scored their third try two minutes to time and Shujaa were unable to force a sudden death.

Enroute to the finals, Shujaa defeated Spain 31- 26 in sudden death at the semis while Samurai edged Kenya Morans 15-7.Earlier in the quarters, Shujaa beat Red Wailers 38-7

For Samurai, the victory is a massive boost having last lifted the title in 2015, while Shujaa bagged the honours in 2013 and 2016.