A Tim Mikkelson try saw the scores level at 7-7 at halftime. Photo / Andrew Warner
New Zealand have made a winning, if not convincing, start to their Hong Kong Sevens campaign.
The All Blacks Sevens only sealed their opening Pool C clash against Wales 19-7 with a last second breakout try by Beaudein Waaka, aided and abetted by debutant Joe Ravouvou.
A Tim Mikkelson try
saw the scores level at 7-7 at halftime. He burst clear from a Vilimoni Koroi flick pass, but departed in the second spell with a shoulder injury.
New Zealand failed to assert their superiority over a plucky Wales outfit until a thrust by Ravouvou set up stand-in skipper DK Forbes with one minute to run.
New Zealand had lost captain Scott Curry for the second time at the 11th hour this season, this time with flu. Sam Dickson was promoted from travelling reserve to the full squad of 12.
