New Zealand Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has downplayed his team's underwhelming tournament in Tokyo.
After being upset by Canada in the cup quarterfinals, New Zealand saved face to beat Scotland 21-14 in the plate final.
Tietjens defended his side's showing at the tournament, saying they had key players on the sidelines.
Tim Mikkelson (groin) and Sam Dickson (nerve damage) were forced to sit out, while Rieko Ioane was suspended for the final game. Sherwin Stowers also played with a dislocated finger.
New Zealand remain third in the world series rankings, five points shy of Fiji and nine behind South Africa with two legs of ther series remaining.
