The New Zealand rugby sevens coach Scott Waldrom says if his side isn't at its best in Wellington next month then they won't be contenders for the World Series.
The All Blacks Sevens have improved to fifth in the overall standings after their third place finish in the second round in Cape Town.
New Zealand sevens player Iopu Iopu-Aso. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The New Zealanders beat Kenya 28-7 in the quarter-finals, but lost 14-7 to South Africa in the semi-finals.
They then beat Scotland 24-19 in the play-off for third.
Its an improved performance by the New Zealanders after they finished 8th in the opening leg in Dubai.
England beat South Africa 19-17 in the final.
Waldrom is happy with the improvement his side showed from the first round.
"We certainly got a bit more consistent through the game time and sticking to our structures but we can certainly still make some big improvements."
"I'm looking forward to the next two months when we've got some time to work on those things and build into Wellington which I think will make a massive difference."
Waldrom says all his players will be available to play in the Nationals in Rotorua in January.
South Africa remain on top of the World Series standings after two rounds with England in second, New Zealand have jumped up to fifth from eighth.
-RNZ
