NZPA Correspondent

Sydney, March 19 NZPA - New Zealand made a successful start to the Adelaide leg of the International Rugby Board sevens world series by beating Scotland 31-0 tonight.

New Zealand, who lead the eight-tournament competition standings heading into this weekend's fifth event, were too strong in the pool A opener at the Adelaide Oval scoring five tries while keeping their line intact.

Kurt Baker started the rout after 39 seconds before Fritz Lee and DJ Forbes gave New Zealand a 19-point buffer at halftime.

Tim Mikkelson and Zar Lawrence inflated the margin as Gordon Tietjens rotated his personnel.

Second-placed Samoa started their campaign in pool B with a 33-12 defeat of France but in the upset of the opening programme Wales beat Fiji 17-12 in pool C.

Series defending champions South Africa kicked off in pool B with a 40-0 thrashing of Japan.

New Zealand had to make a late change to their squad when the experienced Lote Raikabula was ruled out with a bicep injury.

He was replaced by Wellington's Taleta Tupuola, who made his debut in the latter stages of tonight's match.

Meanwhile, Save Tokula will be available for the final pool game against Argentina tomorrow night after completing a four-match suspension imposed during the last tournament in Las Vegas.

New Zealand's first assignment tomorrow is Tonga. The tournament ends on Sunday.

New Zealand 31 (Kurt Baker, Fritz Lee, DJ Forbes, Tim Mikkelson, Zar Lawrence tries; Tomasi Cama 3 con) Scotland 0. Halftime: 19-0.