The New Zealand women’s rugby sevens team turned on a sizzling performance in their Olympic debut, scoring eight tries and beating Kenya 52-0.
For New Zealand, Portia Woodman, marked as one of the potential stars of the tournament, used her pace well to score three tries, including the first in each half. Kayla McAlister added two more and others were contributed by Huriana Manuel, Niall Williams and Gayle Broughton.
Tyla Nathan-Wong kicked five of six conversions and Kelly Brazier one of two.
The New Zealanders, who played with speed and flair, led 21-0 at halftime.
The early matches in the women’s sevens included some other clear wins, Britain beating Brazil 29-3 and France beating Spain 24-7.