Kenya’s Shujaa got off their campaign for a return to the World Rugby Sevens Series core status with a gritty 19-12 win over Samoa at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid Spain on Friday.

Playing before a vocal support by their traveling fans, Shujaa got off to a plucky start when Vincent Onyala intercepted a pass and ran unchallenged under the posts. Anthony Odongo converted for a 7-0 lead. 

Patrick Odongo was next over from a pass by Samuel Asati. Odongo missed the conversion. Samoa came back with intent and were rewarded by a try from Motu Opetai which Elisapeta Alofipo converted. 

Just before the break, Tuna Tuitama scored the second try to level the scores 12-12 at the break.

On resumption, Shujaa won a turnover but were unable to breach the Samoa line after conceding a penalty. Onyala broke through but was stopped in the 22. Shortly after, Patrick Odongo scored his second try after a powerful run to stretch the lead 19-12. 

Samoa fought back bravely but knocked on the ball against a six-man Shujaa who next face hosts Spain, 29-12 winners over Chile

Results

Qualifiers

Women: South Africa 24 Argentina 7, Brazil 45 Belgium 5, South Africa 40 Belgium 7, Brazil 31 Argentina 12, Spain 7 China 12, Poland 0 Japan 32, 

Men: Canada 7 Uruguay 41, USA 40 Germany 19, Canada 14 Germany 19, USA 29 Uruguay 19,  Samoa 12 Kenya 19, Spain 29 Chile 12, 

Championship

Women: France 36 Fiji 7, Australia 33 Ireland 14, Men: New Zealand 26 Fiji 28, Ireland 26 South Africa 21.