FORCE WITH SMITH IN OPENING GOLD COAST SEVENS BLITZ

Rugby Sevens, November 13: Western Force Super Rugby's latest recruit, David Smith, has had a blistering start to the Hyperion Gold Coast International Sevens at Surfers Paradise.

The 24-year-old winger has crossed for three tries in the opening two games for the International Samurais, an invitation team making its Sevens debut in the $40,000 two-day tournament.

Samoan-born Smith, who scored seven tries in four appearances for the Wellington Hurricanes last season's Super season, joined the Force just yesterday.

Spectators and teams alike got a first hand look at Smith's lightning pace when he crossed for his first try against Warwick Bombers in the first Pool D game before racing in for two more in the Samurai's 35-17 blitzing against Australian Maori.

Smith is currently playing in New Zealand's ITM Cup and will be the marquee player for the Force in their 2011 season.

Michael O'Connor's Aussie Thunderbolts had to work hard to win their opening encounter against Fijian outfit Davetalevu, running out 26-7 winners, before an impressive 31-7 win over another Fijian team, Island Breeze to remain unbeaten in Pool C.

Commonwealth Games stars Ed Jenkins and Shaun Foley were among the four try scorers against Davetalevu.

Olex Taranaki Academy has caused the first upset of the Hyperion Gold Coast International Sevens, beating the Samoan Barbarians 26-21 at Albert Park, Surfers Paradise.

The Academy, made up of some of New Zealand's most promising young rugby players, opened up a 12-0 lead in a sizzling first-half blitz.

But the Samoan outfit, made up of five members of the IRB World Series winning group from last year, fought back to lead 21-19 at half-time.

In the most entertaining game of the morning the Taranaki kids, led by led by player-coach, Wellington Hurricane's All Black Scott Waldrom, stormed home to score a late converted try to run out winners 26-21.

They scored four tries to three, leaving the Samoans with the task of winning their remaining three games in Pool A, which also includes defending champions South Sea Drifters.

The Fijian boys started their defence of the Gold Coast Sevens title with a comfortable 29-0 win over the Aussie Legends, with one of Fiji's long-standing Sevens stars Nasoni Roko leading the way.

The 31-year-old scored one of five tries and kicked two conversions in an impressive opening game by the Drifters.

The tournament continues with the remaining Pool games this afternoon with the quarter finals, semi-finals and finals played tomorrow from 8.30am at Albert Park, Surfers Paradise.