The All Blacks Sevens appear to have solved their goalkicking issues after a mostly slick 42-7 victory over Portugal to open the USA Sevens in Las Vegas.
Beaudein Waaka, who did not play in Sydney where New Zealand struggled with their shots at goal, slotted six conversions from six, including two from wide out, as New Zealand ran in six tries to one in Pool A.
Lewis Ormond, who was prominent with his work-rate, scored a double, while Sam Dickson - again accurate at the all-important kickoffs - Kurt Baker, Regan Ware and the returning DJ Forbes all scored tries.
New Zealand scarcely put a foot wrong in racing to a 28-0 halftime lead with a monopoly of possession. Portugal stiffened their defence as the game turned scrappy in the second stanza, and there was time for a try to Aderito Esteves and for Liam Messam to make his first appearance, off the bench, for six years.
New Zealand is top of the World Series standings with Fiji and South Africa, while Portugal are in 15th.
