The New Zealand sevens team overcame a shock defeat on the opening day of the Cape Town Sevens to qualify for the quarterfinals.
A week after it twice lost to the United States in Dubai, injury-plagued New Zealand was defeated by another North American opponent when Canada pulled off a 24-12 upset.
New Zealand needed to beat Samoa in the final group game to avoid being dumped out of the tournament and won 19-10. Captain DJ Forbes said they were under huge pressure and also suffered another two serious injuries, with Joe Webber and Declan O'Donnell ruled out earlier in the day.
Canada missed out on advancing, after being pipped by France on a rare countback of conversions.
Fiji, winner of the opening round of the world series in Dubai, had no such trouble, racking up 129 points in its three victories.
