Paris 2024: Australia put heavy dent on Shujaa’a progression hopes

25th July 2024

Shujaa will face Samoa in their final Pool B match on Thursday at 3 PM.

Shujaa in action against Australia. PHOTO| Team Kenya
Shujaa in action against Australia. PHOTO| Team Kenya
SUMMARY
  • Shujaa had lost their opening game 31-12 against Argentina.
  • Tony Omondi managed the team's only try.
  • Kenya are in Pool B alongside Australia, Argentina and Samoa.

Shujaa’a hopes of progressing past the group stage of an Olympic tournament for the first time were severely diminished following a 21-7 loss against Australia in their second pool B match at te ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday evening.

Having succumbed to a 31-12 defeat against World Rugby Sevens league winners Argentina in their opener, the men’s national rugby 7s side were hoping for better tidings as they went in search of their maiden group stage win in what is their third Olympics event.

However, the team was shown the size of the task ahead when James Turner got the scoreboard moving with Australia’s opening attack inside the first minute.

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The Kevin Wambua-coached side managed to restore parity in the third minute after Tony Omondi’s quick thinking allowed him to dive under the posts untouched following a quick tap.

That would however be the last of Kenya’ efforts as Nathan Lawson and Corey Toole added two more tries for the Australians who put a massive shift in defending whenever required.

Shujaa have one match remaining against Samoa and will need nothing short of a miracle to be able to book one of the eight tickets available to the quarterfinals.

In the other group encounter, Argentina went two for two with a comfortable 28-12 win over Samoa. Matías Osadczuk scored twice, while Matteo Graziano and Joaquin Pellandini also touched down.

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After the end of day one, Argentina, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and double Olympic champions Fiji secured their places in Thursday’s quarterfinals with a pair of opening day wins.

The competition format sees all teams play three pool matches with eight teams qualifying for the quarter-finals in the evening session of the second day of competition before the third day sees the semi-finals and the all-important medal matches as Olympic dreams are realized and broken.

The top two alongside the two best third-place finishers will go through.

Playing Schedule

Wed - Argentina 31-12 Kenya

Wed - Australia 21-7 Kenya

Thur - Samoa v Kenya (3pm)

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