Rugby sevens: NZ pick up second win

Tim Mikkelson of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand has beaten Niue 38-0 to secure their second win at the IRB Sevens tournament at Skilled Park in Gold Coast.

The IRB sevens champions scored six tries in a solid performance to see-off their Pacific neighbours in their Pool A match.

The match wasn't the fluid display coach Gordan Tietjans would've hoped for, with his team making handling errors at crucial times when on attack.

Niue started brightly but their enthusiasm was matched by a staunch New Zealand defence who swarmed their opponents when they had possession.

Their pressing defence worked like a charm as they created their first four tries from turnovers at the breakdown.

Captain DJ Forbes opened the scoring after two minutes as he crashed over the tryline after 15 phases with possession.

Newcomer Scott Curry showed plenty of speed and strength in turning defence into attack for his team's second try by running down his opponent before getting the turn over to score unopposed.

Lote Raikabula scored on the stroke of halftime to push the scoreline out to 17-0.

New Zealand scored three tries in the second half with Tim Mikkelson, Glen Robertson and Raikabula's second five-pointer sealing the win.

The New Zealand team in their opening match had to work hard for a 26-5 win over Kenya.

- Herald online