Rugby sevens: Black Ferns continue Commonwealth Games momentum with two wins in Japan

Portia Woodman scores a try. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand have maintained their momentum from the Commonwealth Games with two straightforward wins on the first day of the women's sevens world series in Japan.

The Black Ferns Sevens beat the hosts 38-7 in Kitakyushu before following up with a 31-12 dissection of the United States.

It was their first taste of action since claiming Games gold on the Gold Coast a week ago.

Speed merchants Portia Woodman and Michaela Blyde bagged doubles in the opening match and scored once each against the US.

New cap Huia Harding got a run off the bench against Japan.

New Zealand's remaining pool game on Saturday is against France but they are assured of a quarter-final place, regardless the result.

There were no upsets through the opening two rounds, with series leaders Australia accounting for China and Ireland.

The tournament is the third out of five, with New Zealand probably needing to win to stay in touch with Australia, who claimed victory in both Dubai and Sydney.

-NZN