Rugby pundits believe that Fiji has become the team to beat in the IRB World 7s Series, after impressive performances saw them lift the New Zealand International 7s title last weekend.

They did conquer all last weekend, crossing paths with most of the big guns.

However, they did not meet current series leaders New Zealand, with the two old foes and original super-powers of the sevens circuit now only four points apart in the 2009-2010 standings.

Fiji was the most threatening attacking team in Wellington, scoring 29 tries in six games and defensively, they were even better, conceding just eight tries over the tournament.

New Zealand was second best, letting opponents cross their line nine times, but they played one less match than Fiji.

This will be something that Gordon Tietjens would have noted, believing that it is defence first and foremost that wins games, and more importantly tournaments throughout the Sevens Series.

As the action moves to "Sin City", the matchups will be intense from the start.

New Zealand will open the USA 7s in Las Vegas on Sunday with their opening match against France.

Fiji's first pool match will be against host USA at 8:44am.

Barring any upsets Fiji will meet either NZ or Australia in the USA 7s quarter final.