Rugby: NZ Sevens pick up second win in Singapore

Regan Ware of New Zealand. Photo / Getty

The All Blacks Sevens have made it two from two at the Singapore Sevens.

After a scratchy 22-21 victory over Scotland, the New Zealanders were more convincing against Wales, picking up a 36-14 win.

They now play the USA in the final pool game at 12.50am, with the winner set to qualify top of the pool and potentially avoid a tricky quarterfinal against Fiji.

New Zealand had never lost to Scotland in 37 clashes, but an impressive second half comeback from Scotland put that in jeopardy.

Three first-half tries gave the All Blacks Sevens a 17-0 halftime lead. Regan Ware kicked off proceedings with a runaway try after fantastic one-handed offload from Joe Ravouvou. Ravouvou then turned scorer minutes later after being set up by a similar offload, before Trael Joass made it three right before halftime, finishing off a swift move by racing away to dot down.

The game looked sealed, but Scotland came roaring back, scoring twice to make it 17-14 with two minutes remaining. However, just as the comeback was on, Tone Ng Shiu scored his first World Sevens try.

The returning Joe Webber burst through the middle, and a few passes later Ng Shiu crossed in the left corner to secure the win, before a late Scotland consolation after the hooter.

The Kiwis had a similarly strong historical record against Wales, winning 40 of their 41 clashes. Webber kicked things off, opening the scoring after a long flowing counter-attack. The lead was extended by a try to Iopu Iopu-Aso, before Wales struck back before halftime.

Four further tries after the break eased any nerves though as the All Blacks Sevens coasted home.