Photos: NZ will meet Samoa in tough quarter-final
New Zealand have qualified for a tough quarter-final against Samoa at the Hong Kong sevens tournament after cruising through pool play unbeaten.
Great sevens rugby rivals New Zealand and Fiji emerged as the only unbeaten teams heading into the playoffs at the Hong Kong tournament on Sunday.
New Zealand completed a smooth run in pool play with a 24-12 defeat of the United States on Saturday, following wins over France (33-12) and Kenya (31-7).
The US led 12-7 at halftime thanks to two Matt Hawkins tries but Trinity Spooner-Neera, Rocky Khan and Gillies Kaka crossed after the break for New Zealand to send them into a challenging quarter-final against Samoa.
Defending champions Fiji will face Australia in the quarter-finals after accounting for Hong Kong, Spain and Canada with ease.
The other half of the Cup playoff draw is filled with traditionally weaker teams, with Kenya playing Portugal and Wales facing Canada.
Four strong nations who failed to advance through pool play were England, South Africa, France and Argentina.
New Zealand are seeking to become the first team to win two tournaments in the current International Rugby Board world sevens series.
Victory at Hong Kong could also virtually seal the series for New Zealand.
All photos by Barry Markowitz, Courtesy Tri Marine/Samoa Tuna Processors.
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