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Kenya claim spoils in opening Sevens Challenger round

CAPE TOWN, ZAF - March 2: Kenya women celebrate their Cup victory at the 2025 HSBC Sevens Challenger - Cape Town 1 at Athlone Sports Stadium on March 2, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Zach Franzen / World Rugby)

Kenya secured a statement semi-final victory against hosts South Africa en route to winning the opening round of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger in Cape Town.

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The Lionesses followed that up with a 17-12 win against Argentina in the final to start their quest for HSBC SVNS qualification in fine style.

Grace Okulu scored the opening try of the final at Athlone Stadium before Marianela Escalante crossed to ensure Argentina turned round only 7-5 behind.

A second-half brace from Judith Okumu put Kenya in control of the contest though and ensured that Candela Delgado’s late try came too late to impact the result.

Earlier on Sunday, the boot of Sinaida Nyachio proved decisive as Kenya edged to a memorable semi-final win against the Springbok Women Sevens.

Nadine Roos and Ayanda Malinga put the hosts 10-0 in front within four minutes but Kenya hit back with three unanswered tries from Naomi Amuguni, Sharon Auma and Freshia Oduor.

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Crucially, the first two of those were converted by Nyachio which meant that the Lionesses were out of sight before Roos added a late third South African try.

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Kenya captain Okulu said: “This victory is nice because we’ve never won a Challenger series. It is a milestone for us.

“I’m happy for the team, and I’m delighted for everyone who supports us. We must carry on with the momentum and prepare hard for the next series this coming weekend.

“It has been an amazing journey for us and we are happy that things are working out for us.”

South Africa finished their home tournament on a high, beating Colombia – who had lost their semi-final 10-5 against Argentina – 29-0 to claim third place.

The 12 teams will return to Athlone Stadium for the second tournament on Friday and all the action will once again be live and free to watch on the RugbyPass App.

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The top eight in the standings at the end of that will then qualify for the third round in Krakow next month, where four teams will then earn their place at the HSBC SVNS Play Off in Los Angeles in May.

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ChristelLoewe 59 minutes ago
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JW 1 hour ago
'I feel for the players': Jamie Joseph's reflection on falling short again

Some great leadership quality from Big Jim, he facilitated for large parts then put the responsibility on himself at the end drive the team forward in the last desperate minutes. He also filled in for Withy extremely well, adding real strength to the maul.


The Force have been playing very well this year indeed, and their stars did make a couple of key players, the main factor though is definitely what I reported in the previous article “

Gotta say I’m really enjoying the Highlanders desperation in the last 10 minutes of games, maybe it’s just because theyre having to throw the kitchen sink at it again. Another massive effort to hold the opposition out just like in the Blues game. I’m sure the coach’s will be wanting a little more composure though as the play seems to far more hap hazard (really just the type of footy I like watching) than the picture they bring at the beggining of games.

Again though they don’t have the refs to thank for anything, being down a man twenty more minutes than they should have been. Most importantly they were without one of they best attackers (not counting Tangitau’s early change) for the final push, with Nareki’s bin.

Again, I can see where this team is trying to go, I hope they can get their this year as they certainly have the game to be a top four team if they click. They are munch of misfits when you look at it objectively though, they probably have the worst cohesion score of any SRP team. A few more wins, maybe a come from behind upset may be the best theey can hope to acheive this year.

“. Like Jim I thought the defence stood up strongly for large parts, but they may just have some structural issues, where it’s just not paying off. They had Lawaqa on the wing all day, allowed the Force to make a dozen linebreaks, why? Both there attack and defence look a bit too fancy for me, why? Common Joseph, the youngest team with the least cohesion/most new guys, it look overly complicated.


I hope it clicks. Manson in particular looked to be trying far too hard when he came on, what’s been said in his ear? Stick to you lane son and don’t make any mistakes, don’t lose the game for your team. Should be a comfortable win next week against Drua if they keep there heads up and come back stronger. Lasaqa might be best to come off the bench, would keep Jim at 12 but I’d like Tele’a to come back to the side, though TUJ hasn’t been bad and style might suit Drua more. Hopefully Renton or someone with some size is at 8 or 6, Lasaqa appears to be more an 8 actually, similar to Sititi and I wouldn’t mind if he was groomed behind him and Sotutu. Lennox I thought could make a good halfback but isn’t ready, I’d hope Arscott, Fakatava, or Pledger could return to the side. Other than Drua theyve got Cheifs twice, though the home game is the last of the round/season so potentially a gimme if the Chiefs repeat previous years tactics. The Crusaders and Moana at home are also very doable. Those four wins could see them crash into the top 6 still.

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