Series champions Fiji survive Kenyan scare in Cape Town

Olympic gold medalists and reigning series champions Fiji survived a late scare from Kenya’s Shujaa as they claimed a nervy 28-22 win in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday.

The Fijians enjoyed a blistering start in the two-sided contest as Samisoni Viriviri, Emosi Mulevoro and Sevuloni Mocenacagi struck a quickfire three converted tries to give them a 21-0 lead.

Martin Owillah hit back with his first series try which was converted by Lugonzo Lugami as the game went to the break at 21-7.

In a dramatic second half, Billy Odhiambo inspired a stirring performance from the Kenyans as they stuck three tries at the other end, matching their opponents inch by inch but a hattrick of missed covesrions ended up costing them dearly.

Earlier, the team cruised to a 33-14 win over France. The Kenyans ran five tries and four conversions against a pair of converted tries from France. Willy Ambaka and Billy Odhiambo bagged a brace with Leonard Mugaisi also making a touchdown to give Head Coach Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu a dream start in the second round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The Shujaa close their day against Japan at 7.50pm (+3GMT).