Rugby: Lawrence plays on for brother

New Zealand's Zar Lawrence is playing on at the Hong Kong Sevens despite the death of his younger brother. Photo / AP

In a raw display of courage, Zar Lawrence took New Zealand into tonight's finals of the Hong Kong Sevens after learning of the death of his younger brother Wiremu in a car crash in New Zealand yesterday.

Lawrence wore an armband bearing his brother's name and has vowed to complete the tournament before flying home for the tangi.

With his help, New Zealand cruised to a second comfortable pool win on an emotion-tinged second day of the tournament, scorching Zimbabwe 52-0.

The win followed the equally-dominant 59-0 opening defeat of Sri Lanka, providing coach Gordon Tietjens' men two early chances to stretch their legs before the standard of opposition improves.

Their final pool match last night was a 17-5 victory over previously unbeaten Australia, who downed Sri Lanka 56-12 earlier yesterday. Lawrence scored a 70-metre try two minutes into the second spell, stepping past Richard Kingi, and sailing under the bar.

An emotional Lawrence looked to the heavens, after hearing the news of his brother's death back in New Zealand less than 24 hours ago. He scored his second try two minutes later, making the score 17-5.

Afterwards he revealed the 4.00am phone call in which he was told his brother Wirenu, 16, had died in a car crash.

"It's very hard. It's all emotional at the moment," Lawrence said.

"But my thoughts are back with my family and theirs are with me. I'm doing this for my family."

Lawrence, 27, said his family had told him to play on at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens as a tribute to his brother.

"My thoughts are back there but my family told me to stay here and do it for him," he said. "That's what I'm doing. I'm trying to play my best for my little brother."

Australia made the early running with a fine try and New Zealand's DJ Forbes was sent from the field with two minutes remaining in the first half for interfering in the ruck.

Tim Mikkelson was the standout in the first half, making some big runs. But it was Tomasi Cama who got New Zealand back in the game, after Lote Raikabula had come within metres of the line before being tackled.

The ball was spread wide to Cama who went over unopposed and, in the second half, Lawrence made his presence felt.

New Zealand scored four tries in each half against Zimbabwe. Four players scored two each - Victor Vito, Ben Souness, Julian Savea and Mikkelson.

Surprises were absent through the opening two rounds, with big guns South Africa, England, Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Kenya, France and Wales all unbeaten.