Injury ravaged New Zealand have beaten Russian 35-10 in their first pool game of the Paris Sevens.
Lewis Ormond Photo: Photosport
The big Russian Denis Simplikevich was the first to cross to the line, carrying a defender with him, before tries to Rieko Ioane, Regan Ware and Lewis Ormond put New Zealand ahead 21-5 at half-time.
Ormond scored his double in the second half before Dylan Collier barged his way over, but Russia snatched one back through Vladislav Sozonov.
On day two in Paris (Saturday night New Zealand time), the All Black Sevens face Portugal and Kenya.
The New Zealand squad is heavily depleted for the penultimate tournamnet of the world series with veterans Tim Mikkelson, DJ Forbes, Scott Curry and Liam Messam missing through injury.
The All Black Sevens are third in series rankings with 135 points, four behind South Africa and 12 behind the leaders Fiji.
