Rugby sevens: NZ beat Russia in opening match

Toby Arnold of New Zealand dives over to score a try. Photo / Getty Images

A rusty first half evolved into a typically workman-like performance from the New Zealand rugby sevens team as they breezed past Russia 43-0 in their opening pool match at the Scotland tournament in Edinburgh tonight (NZT).

New Zealand led by just 12-0 after a scrappy first seven minutes but they went up a few gears in the second stanza and waltzed in five more tries.

Toby Arnold scored a hat-trick while Buxton Popoalii added two and there was a one each for Lote Raikabula and skipper DJ Forbes, while Popoalii landed four conversions.

New Zealand's other two pool A matches are overnight (NZT) against France and Argentina.

Coach Gordon Tietjens' men have already secured their ninth title from 12 attempts in the world series. They have 150 points, 29 more than second-placed England, while South Africa were a further five points adrift in third heading into the last round in the Scottish capital.

Result: New Zealand 43 (Toby Arnold 3, Buxton Popoalii 2, Lote Raikabula, DJ Forbes tries; Popoalii 4 con) Russia 0. Halftime: 12-0.

- NZPA