Hong Kong Sevens 2015: Kenya beats Japan to win Shield

Although Fiji defeated New Zealand, 33-19, to win the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015, the Cup was not the only silverware up for grabs.  Prior to the main title matchup, teams squared off in the Shield, Bowl and Plate finals, with those pairings determined by pool results as well as how they fared in the single elimination rounds leading to the Cup.  A defeat in the latter does not necessarily mean a knockout from the tournament, and some squads took advantage of second chances to gain valuable points in the 2014-2015 HSBC Sevens World Series race.

Shield: Kenya 26, Japan 7

Japan entered the main event thanks to its resounding victory in the first-ever qualifying tournament held in Hong Kong last year.  They struggled in their matches this year, losing all their pool matches as well as the Bowl quarterfinals.  It was no different for Kenya, who were also winless in all the same rounds.

Second, or in this case third, chances cast both teams into the Shield semifinals.  After Kenya defeated Portugal, 21-0, and Japan ousted Belgium, 42-7, Kenya ran away as the victors in the final.

Kenya defeated Portugal in the Shield semifinals, 21-0. (photo by Christiaan Hart / Meniscus Magazine)

Kenya in Pool D play against Wales, who won, 19-12. (photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Team Japan warms up before playing for the Shield against Kenya. (photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Photos: Kenya 21, Portugal 0 – Hong Kong Sevens 2015 Shield Semifinals
all photos by Christiaan Hart / Meniscus Magazine

Photos: Assorted shots of Kenya and Japan at the Hong Kong Sevens 2015
all photos by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine