KEY POINTS:
New Zealand spluttered into life with a 31-7 defeat of the Cook Islands to notch their second pool win at the International Rugby Board sevens tournament in Adelaide today.
Following a scratchy 21-14 opening defeat of Argentina, the New Zealanders found better rhythm against the Cooks, pulling away in the second half of a five tries-to-one performance.
Chasing their eighth consecutive tournament win, the New Zealand side were rocked late in the first half when Cook Islands halfback Adam Vardey scampered over from a scrum to put his side 7-5 up.
However, Zar Lawrence replied before the break and second-half tries to Victor Vito, Nafi Tuitavake and captain DJ Forbes saw the scoreline blow out.
It wasn't so comfortable in the second half against Argentina, who came close to levelling the scores over the final two minutes when they were a man up following the sinbinning of New Zealand forward Solomon King.
The New Zealanders, who conceded the first try of each half against the skilled Argentines, to Nicolas Bruzzone and Gabriel Ascarate, clung on to win.
The key was a golden period late in the first half when powerhouse Vito inspired their three tries.
He busted through two defenders to score the first before setting up both Edwin Cocker and Lawrence for tries through his ability to hold off tacklers and offload.
New Zealand, who have now won 44 consecutive games, were to complete their pool play programme against Scotland later tonight.
There were few upsets through the opening stages of the tournament at Adelaide Oval, with Fiji also notching two early wins and Samoa and South Africa making successful starts.
NZPA
