Kenya's dream shattered by Fijian second-half blitz

Kenya’s Sevens team came as close as they could to a dream finish to the HSBC SVNS Series as they bowed out as runners-up, going down 21-12 to Fiji in the final of the Singapore Sevens.

We finish 2nd in 🇸🇬.
A huge improvement from Hong 🇭🇰 #Shujaa #SportpesaNaShujaa #MpesaPowersKenya7s #SafaricomRugby #CrownPaintsShujaa pic.twitter.com/ovHsyzlxAh

— Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) April 6, 2025

The Shujaa were exceptional as they completed the entire tournament without conceding a first half point, and led at the break, but three second half tries from Fiji sealed the game and gave them another famous victory.

But considering that Kenya only rejoined the circuit this season, after qualifying in Madrid last year, their rise has been spectacular and in the shortened tournament setup they used their chances well, beating Ireland and France in pool play, and then qualifying for the final with a win over Spain.

But Fiji’s mastery of the shortened game eventually was enough to stop them, even though Kenya would have won many hearts and minds with this performance.

After a first half that both sides tried to dominate, Kenya eventually took the lead just before the break with George Angeyo booting the ball downfield for Nygel Pettersen Amaitsa to chase and show some incredible speed to score under the nose of Fijian George Bose.

That let Kenya lead at the break, but the second half saw them fall off some tackles, with devastating results.

Vida Naduvalo was the first to score, taking a pass and beating two defenders to run in to the line, and added a second three minutes later to give his side the lead.

The crucial blow came from Rautu Vakudranu, who was in space to take a perfect pass from Sakiusa Siquila to run in and score.

Kenya tried their best to come back at Fiji, and thanks to a powerful run by William Indakalu, added a second try and gave themselves a chance.

But the post-try celebration ate up a few crucial seconds, forcing the conversion to be rushed and missed.

Fiji outmuscle Kenya to claim the title in Singapore 🏆🇫🇯#HSBCSVNSSGP | #HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/2RtNode3ah

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 6, 2025

Fiji took the restart and simply put it over the sideline to take the trophy.

Despite Kenya’s performance, they will have to still play for their place at the season finale in Los Angeles next month.

The Shujaa finished ninth, meaning they will join the bottom three teams and the four top teams from the Challenger Series in a fight for places in next season’s SVNS Series.

The LA Sevens will end the season on 3 and 4 May.