Kurt Baker
New Zealand made a successful start to the Adelaide leg
of the International Rugby Board sevens world series by beating
Scotland 31-0 yesterday evening.
New Zealand, who lead the eight-tournament competition
standings heading into this weekend's fifth event, were too
strong in the pool A opener at the Adelaide Oval scoring five
tries while keeping their line intact.
Kurt Baker started the rout after 39 seconds before Fritz Lee
and DJ Forbes gave New Zealand a 19-point buffer at halftime.
Tim Mikkelson and Zar Lawrence inflated the margin as Gordon
Tietjens rotated his personnel.
Second-placed Samoa started their campaign in pool B with a
33-12 defeat of France but in the upset of the opening
programme Wales beat Fiji 17-12 in pool C.
Series defending champions South Africa kicked off in pool B
with a 40-0 thrashing of Japan.
New Zealand had to make a late change to their squad when the
experienced Lote Raikabula was ruled out with a bicep injury.
He was replaced by Wellington's Taleta Tupuola, who made his
debut in the latter stages of yesterday's match.
Meanwhile, Save Tokula will be available for the final pool
game against Argentina this evening after completing a
four-match suspension imposed during the last tournament in
Las Vegas.
New Zealand's first assignment today is Tonga. The tournament
ends on Sunday.
New Zealand 31 (Kurt Baker, Fritz Lee, DJ Forbes, Tim
Mikkelson, Zar Lawrence tries; Tomasi Cama 3 con) Scotland 0.
Halftime: 19-0.
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