NZ has built some confidence after making the final for the first time in 19 months - Curry

The New Zealand men's sevens team were encouraged by their efforts in Dubai despite losing the final of the first tournament in the 2017‑2018 World Sevens Series.

New Zealand lost 24‑12 to South Africa, who led 19‑0 at one stage yesterday.

But co‑captain Scott Curry says his side has built some confidence after making the final for the first time in 19 months.

Curry says it is probably the best, and most confident, they have felt in their game for a long time.

Curry adds that making the final was a success itself and they will build to go further from this weekend at Cape Town.

Meanwhile, Joe Ravouvou was named in the Dubai 7s Dream Team.

New Zealand is in Pool B with Australia, Spain and USA.

Fiji is pooled with Samoa, Canada and Wales.

Fiji will play Wales at 10.37pm Saturday, they will then meet Canada at 1.58am Sunday before taking on Samoa at 5.19am Sunday.

The quarterfinals will start at 12.04am next Monday, semifinals at 4.34am next Monday while the final will be held at 7.44am next Monday.

Looking at the points table, South Africa is leading with 22 points, New Zealand is in second place with 19 points, England is in third place with 17 points while Fiji is in fourth place with 15 points.