Kenya’s Shujaa saved the best for the last when in a repeat of the final in Dubai, they convincingly beat Chile 31-12 to take the bronze in the second World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Playing their best ever match of the three-day tournament, Lamec Ambetsa scored one of the fastest tries by crossing the line in 15 seconds from the start. Anthony Omondi’s attempt at the extras hit the upright as Kenya led 5-0. 

Chile leveled the scores almost immediately through Ernesto Tchimino who rode a tackle by Vincent Onyala to the line. The try only ignited Shujaa’s burning desire to get back in the lead. 

They replied with a try by Onyala who completed a powerful run by Kevin Wekesa and Samuel Asati. Omondi converted for Shujaa to regain the lead 12-5.

Just before the break, Omondi outpaced Tchimino to score the third try for a 19-5 lead.

In the second half, Diego Warnken, the Chile captain broke through the Shujaa ranks but knocked on with two green jerseys in pursuit. 

With three minutes left, John Okoth outpaced Tomas Salas to the whitewash. Shujaa comfortably led 24-5 when substitute George Ooro was yellow-carded. 

Salem Odoyo was next over from a pass by Elvis Olukusi to stretch the lead 31-12. Chile pulled one back through Lucas Strabucchi.

The women’s side Kenya Lionesses finished eighth after losing 22-27 to Hong Kong China in the seventh place play-off.

Hosts Uruguay won this leg by beating Hong Kong China 28-0 while China made it two wins in a row in the women’s category by beating Argentina 38-7.

Ranking in Montevideo

Men: 1. Uruguay 20 points, 2. Hong Kong China 18, 3. Kenya 16, 4. Chile 14, 5. Germany 12, 6. Uganda 10, 7. Tonga 8, 8. Portugal 6, 9. Georgia 4, 10. Japan 3, 11. Papua New Guinea 2, 12. Mexico 1.

Women: 1. China 20 points, 2. Argentina 18, 3. Belgium 16, 4. Uganda 14, 5. Poland 12, 6. Thailand 10, 7. Hong Kong China 8, 8. Kenya 6, 9. Paraguay 4, 10. Czechia 3, 11. Mexico 2, 12. Papua New Guinea 1