Sluggish start for NZ in South Africa sevens

7.00am

GEORGE, South Africa - Defending champions New Zealand made a sluggish start to the Emirates Airline South African Sevens at George on Friday, remaining undefeated in pool play but only showing glimpses of the form that has seen the side pick up three consecutive IRB Sevens Series titles.

Grouped in Pool A alongside Italy, Argentina and minnows Zambia, New Zealand saved its best until last on day one, running in six unanswered tries in a 32-0 demolition of the Pumas to set up a quarter final clash with England.

However, the final pool match had its fair share of off-the-ball incidents, with two players from each side sent to the sinbin by South African referee Craig Joubert for indiscretions.

New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens watched as captain Damian Karauna and Tafai Ioasa were shown yellow cards within the first two minutes of the match.

"It is a worry when you're playing with five or six men," Tietjens said. "The real answer is not to retaliate otherwise you're just going to punish yourself.

"We lacked a bit of discipline but obviously it was a physical type of game. We did the basics really well and scored some simple tries in the second half."

Tietjens said the one-sided result against the Pumas was an encouraging sign with day two in mind.

"We really made the step up because we don't have the pace of Argentina and some of the other sides here. We needed to look to our other advantages and that's a great defence."

Earlier in the day, New Zealand held off the spirited Italians by 29-14, thanks to two second half touchdowns to newcomer Liam Messam, and then went on to thump Zambia 35-0, after failing to capitalise on a commanding 28-0 halftime advantage.

Messam and Roy Kinikinilau, two of New Zealand's star performers in the opening IRB Sevens series leg in Dubai, are the only players under injury clouds.

French player Fabien Bernaud was suspended from all rugby until January 11 after being sent off by New Zealand referee Lyndon Bray for striking in a Pool B match against England.

In other quarterfinal action at Outeniqua Park on Saturday, Australia will meet Argentina, Samoa play South Africa and Fiji clash with surprise package Kenya.

- NZPA