Rugby Sevens: NZ end pool play unbeaten

Save Tokula looks to offload the ball agianst France. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand continued their Hong Kong rugby sevens campaign with dominant performances tonight, downing France 36-0 and Scotland 22-5 to advance to tomorrow's quarterfinals unbeaten.

Kurt Baker scored two tries with Fritz Lee and Toby Arnold getting the others in New Zealand's win over Scotland in their final pool game.

The Scots, who trailed 0-17 at halftime replied through Andrew Turnbull midway through the second half.

Earlier against France, Zar Lawrence crossed twice in the first half, bringing his tally of rugby sevens world series tries to 98, while Tim Mikkelson and Tomasi Cama also scored to give New Zealand a 24-0 lead at halftime.

DJ Forbes picked up a brace of tries in the second spell to extend the New Zealand lead, while Cama added three conversions to the final tally.

New Zealand Gordon Tietjens said: "I thought we played pretty well. We had all the possession and kept the ball, which is the key in sevens rugby.

"I'm pretty happy overall. France are an unpredictable team - we've had some close contests with them in the past."

Tietjens wouldn't be drawn on who New Zealand's biggest rivals were, telling AFP: "Every team you play in sevens is an obstacle. Any team who get to the quarterfinals can win the tournament."

The New Zealanders began their Hong Kong tournament yesterday with a 59-5 thumping of Taiwan.

This weekend's tournament is the sixth of eight in the world series and counts for extra points.

- NZPA

NZS