Rugby: NZ qualify for quarters unbeaten

New Zealand continued their Hong Kong campaign with dominant performances last night, downing France 36-0 and Scotland 22-5 to advance to today's quarter-finals 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 coach 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, saying: "Every team you play in sevens is an obstacle. Any team who gets to the quarter-finals 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.