Shujaa exited the Los Angeles 7s with a 21-26 defeat to hosts USA in the 13th place semifinal at the Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday night.
They took the lead when debutant Brunson Madigu received a perfectly weighted offload from Billy Odhiambo to score and convert under the posts for a 7-0 lead but Malacchi Esdale touched down for the hosts before Madigu converted Taabu’s try for a 14-5 lead at half time.
Steve Tomasin then converted Esdale’s second try and Faitala Tepusi’s try in between his own try and conversion for a 26-14 lead.
A late Shujaa rally saw Kevin Wekesa punish soft USA tackling to touch down, Dennis Abukuse converting with the full time whistle sounding moments later.
The result sees Shujaa leave Los Angeles with a solitary point that takes their tally to 22 points as they drop to 13th ahead of the next round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver from 3-5 March.
