Uganda outclassed by Samoa in maiden 7s World Cup appearance

Rugby Sevens World Cup

Samoa 45 Uganda 7

The dream of reaching the round of 16 was mercilessly slaughtered.

But not the satisfaction of Uganda's debut at the Rugby Sevens World Cup.

The Uganda Sevens had hoped to make shock waves at their maiden World Cup but Samoa, their first opportunity, handed them a baptism of fire instead.

Six minutes into the game, Uganda were down 19-0. It was an overwhelming onslaught from the experienced Samoans that laid bare all the chinks in the debutants' armour.

Welcome to the big stage boys!

Even then, what a proud moment for Ugandan rugby and sport at large. And what a special feeling for Michael Okorach, who scored Uganda's try, and  and Phillip Wokorach who made the conversion.

Samoa have been to all previous six World Cups and that experience told in a ruthless 45-7 victory over Tolbert Onyango's willing but undercooked troops.  

Getting to the World Cup was awfully hard for Uganda. Getting a victory in the Main Cup will be just as hard if not harder.

Discouraging though the thought may seem, fact is the odds were always against Uganda reaching the round of 16 at this edition.

It was always going to be a learning experience for the reigning two-time Africa Sevens champions. It is just how the cycle goes.

It takes repetition to break through.

Uganda are due to play Zimbabwe in the bowl quarterfinals late Saturday night in a repeat of the 2017 Africa Sevens Championship final.