KEY POINTS:
Reigning International Rugby Board sevens world series champions New Zealand started their 2008-09 campaign with a convincing 28-7 pool win over Wales in the first match of the Dubai tournament today.
Captain DJ Forbes started the season as he ended the last, powering through to set up Lote Raikabula to score the opening try of the season inside two minutes.
Last week named the international sevens player of the year, Forbes was a constant menace while others to shine in the four-try performance were Raikabula, Solomon King and playmaker Tomasi Cama.
New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens gave a first start at this level to 18-year-old Wellingtonian Julian Savea, who also impressed.
- NZPA