DUBAI: Favorites New Zealand coasted into the quarterfinals of the Dubai Rugby Sevens on Friday, as they looked to follow up on their win at Australia’s Gold Coast in the first of the IRB Sevens World Series.

The Kiwis saw off France 24-5 and Portugal 38-0 before hammering the dangerous Kenya 40-0, although there were indications that the east Afrians were saving some energy for Saturday’s knockout stages.

New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens said of his team’s performances: “We’ve come on and our younger guys are really pushing into the team now.

“We started scratchily this morning but we’ve kicked on and to get 40 points on the board against Kenya is great for us.” There was only disappointment though for Australia. Beaten finalists on home territory last month, they were left needing a win over Wales in their final pool clash to go through.

They failed to achieve that as the Welsh held on for a tense 19-14 win that saw the second qualifying spot from the pool going to Scotland instead.

“It’s a great day for us,” said Wales coach Paul John.

“Every team in our group felt they would have had a chance of going through. We had a tough game against Scotland earlier.

“The money games are tomorrow. We’ve got to make sure we do it tomorrow as well.” Also through were Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, England and Fiji.

Last year’s upset winners Samoa went out after losing two of their three pool games.

The quarterfinals line up is New Zealand v Argentina, South Africa v Kenya, Wales v England and Fiji v Scotland.