Kenya 7s were eliminated from the Dubai 7s Cup quarters after a 31-19 loss to South Africa in a match played at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Saturday morning.
The loss means Kenya have dropped to the fifth place playoffs and have booked a date against USA whom they lost to in the group stages. South Africa now on a 22-match unbeaten run will face France in the semis.
Blitzboks dominated this fixture and were quick off the blocks. After Kenya spilled the ball in contact, SA launched a quick attack stretched the defence to the left, before quickly shifting the ball to the right side to find unmarked Zain Davids who raced for the first try.
The side quickly doubled the lead with captain Siviwe Soyizwapi shrugging off pressure from Billy Odhiambo on the left wing to score at the left corner.
Kenya pulled back after patient build saw them enter SA’s zone as Alvin Marube bulldozed his way to SA’s try-line.
SA restored a 10 point gap as Ronald Brown footwork left his markers well beaten to dive under the posts. Branco du Preez converted for a 17-7 lead.
On return from the break, Shujaa enjoyed possession but were punished off a penalty with Brown turning his markers inside out before feeding supporting Christie Grobbelaar for the fourth try.
Shaun Williams pounced on a loose ball and scored the fifth try for the side to lead 31-7.
Timothy Mmasi came off the bench and scored the second try for Kenya after an offload from Jeff Oluoch.
Oluoch joined the scoresheet with his own try for a 31-19 scoreline.