The Lionesses would lose Okello to the sinbin after the restart but this didn’t matter as Laurine Otieno intercepted a Japanese pass, scoring at the corner for 17-10 before Okello, back from the sinbin, landed a try to bring the score to 17-15 but Hara had the final say, her unconverted try seeing Japan reach the final where they will face Poland for the sole ticket to next season’s circuit.
The Lionesses are now just two games away from attaining core status on the World Rugby Sevens Series after defeating Argentina 24-7 in their quarterfinal fixture at the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Santiago, Chile on Sunday morning.
The Kenya Lionesses cruised to the quarterfinals of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series after winning all their Pool D encounters on Friday and Saturday in Santiago, Chile.
Commenting on his social media handles, the 28 year old said, “It’s fair to say that these past 21 months have been the hardest of my life but also the most rewarding in a weird way!
The All Blacks' 26-10 defeat in the Rugby Championship opener was their worst in 94 years in South Africa, triggering fresh calls in New Zealand for Foster to be sacked.
The Springboks scored two tries at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, one at the start by wing Kurt-Lee Arendse and one right at the end. Replacement Willie le Roux crossed over as the All Blacks launched a desperate late attack deep in their own 22 in an attempt to salvage some pride.
New Zealand's All Blacks come into this fixture in poor form, Head Coach Ian Foster under fire with his side having lost four of their five most recent test matches. Indeed, many supporters have called for his dismissal.
An athletic back row who predominantly features at No.8 or blindside flanker, Weru, son of former Kenyan international, Ken Thimba, has been a part of Saints’ Academy set-up since the age of 14 – scouted originally at Stowe School before he moved to Rugby School to complete his A-levels – and is now training with Phil Dowson’s squad in Northampton with preseason preparations underway ahead of the new campaign.
Commenting on the team’s expectations, Mwanja said, “We are looking forward to a very exciting tournament in Chile. The girls know what we can achieve.”
They trailed 0-10 at the break through tries from Jordan Edmunds and Harvey Elms before recovering to lead 12-10 through tries from Nelson Oyoo and Daniel Taabu with Tony Omondi adding a conversion before Kaleem Barreto and Ross McCann sunk Shujaa with late tries.
