New Zealand are through to the knockout stage of the Wellington leg of the rugby Sevens tournament after thumping France 47-0 at Westpac Stadium.
Tries went to Tim Mikkelson, Sherwin Stowers, D J Forbes, Bryce Heem, George Tilsley and Akira Ioane with Tomasi Cama and Gillies Kaka kicking conversions.
Fiji caused an early upset in their first match on Friday, beating the Kiwis 12-7. The three-time champions struck first just before half-time with New Zealand's Scott Curry in the sin-bin after being given a yellow card for a professional foul.
New Zealand's Akira Ioane, left, tackles Jona Tuitoga of Fiji, centre, with Samissoni Viriviri in support. Photo: AFP
England supporters Lewis Whitham and Adam Stockdale. Photo: RNZ
New Zealand hit back just after the break through Stowers to take a 7-5 lead, but a scintillating individual try from Samisoni Viriviri - the world series leading try-scorer - proved the game winner.
New Zealand had a chance to snatch victory in the dying seconds, but a forward pass from debutante Ioane killed off any hope of a last-gasp win.
They made no mistakes in their second match, thrashing Spain 55-0. Stowers scored a first half hattrick for the New Zealand side, while Mickelson bagged a pair and other tries went to Ben Lam, Curry, Ambrose Curtis and Tilsley.
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Fans out in force
'Man from the moon' Stan Asimopoulos - also from Melbourne Photo: RNZ
Those walking the streets of Wellington this weekend may cross paths with people dressed up as wrestlers, leprechauns, caterpillars and a host of other weird disguises.
They are part of the festivities associated with Sevens tournament which kicked off at 1pm on Friday.
Wearing elaborate costumes is part of the tradition and many fans spend hours and large sums of money making what they see as just the right costume to catch the eye and produce a smile.
For others, hours spent in the capital's pubs getting in the mood is all part of the event which is spread over two days. Later they head down to Westpac Stadium past the city's railway station to watch the games.
A Wellington City Council spokesperson says nearly 40,000 attended the tournament last year and it contributed about $18 million to the city. Some 160 extra police officers have been rostered on to help control the crowds.
