Sevens: NZ blitz Wales in pool opener

New Zealand captain DJ Forbes scores a try in his side's 2-5 win over Wales on day one of the Wellington sevens. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand extracted some revenge over Wales with a 29-5 win to open their Wellington sevens rugby tournament campaign today.

Star winger Sherwin Stowers crossed for two tries inside the first four minutes as New Zealand scored five tries to one against a Welsh team who stunned them in the equivalent match here last year.

Unlike last year's match, when New Zealand paid for ill-discipline in a 17-28 defeat, the hosts were able to dominate possession and play a fluent style.

The early beneficiary was Stowers, who scored 15 tries in New Zealand's tournament wins in Dubai and South Africa two months ago.

Ben Souness crossed to put New Zealand 17-0 up at halftime, while the second-half tries went to captain DJ Forbes and replacement Nafi Tuitavake, the latter when Welshman Jevon Groves was in the sinbin.

Wales' only try came late, to Lloyd Williams.

The Welsh side were changed markedly from the outfit who stunned the sevens fraternity by winning last year's World Cup, and they struggled to handle New Zealand's physical approach.

Stowers' pace was a constant menace out wide while Kurt Baker also displayed some silky touches.

The other match in New Zealand's pool witnessed a 38-10 win for South Africa over Niue.

New Zealand are to face International Rugby Board series champions South Africa in the final match later tonight.

Elsewhere, there were few upsets in the opening round of matches aside from Canada's surprising 26-7 thumping of Argentina.

Favoured nations Samoa, England, Kenya, Fiji and Australia were untroubled as the other early winners in fine conditions in front of the traditional potpourri of fancily-dressed supporters.

- NZPA