Rugby sevens: Winning start for NZ women in Dubai

Michaela Blyde scored five tries on the opening day in Dubai. Photosport

The New Zealand women's sevens team have a number of injury concerns after making a perfect start to the Dubai sevens.

New Zealand won three from three but Niall Williams (head knock), Shakira Baker (knee) and Tenika Willison (head knock) all suffered injuries across the day.

Black Ferns Sevens coach Allan Bunting confirmed that Baker and Williams will be out tomorrow's knockout phase where New Zealand will meet South Africa in the quarter-finals.

"Might be a big day ahead of us tomorrow but the girls will pull through," Bunting said.

Michaela Blyde impressed on the opening day scoring five tries including a hat-trick against France.

New Zealand began with season with by thrashing Ireland 27-5 with Blyde crossing over for a double.

They then beat Fiji 19-10 in their second pool game with Ruby Tui scoring twice.

In the final game of the day New Zealand cruised to another easy win, beating France 31-0.
Bunting had plenty of praise for Blyde.

"She's trained really hard over the off season. She's done a lot of work. We've put a lot of trust in her and she's stepped up."

Defending series champions and gold medallists Australia also topped pool B but were pushed in their final pool game, edging the USA 19-10. Canada topped pool C.