A shock loss to France in pool play has arguably left the Black Ferns Sevens an easier road to defend their Dubai Sevens women's crown this weekend.
The 19-14 defeat on Saturday morning (NZ time) left New Zealand second in their pool and a showdown with Fiji in the quarter-finals.
For their troubles, the French face Canada, who lost to the Black Ferns in last year's tournament final.
Of course, history means little and form everything, and the Kiwis will need to lift their game if they are to resurrect their world series title defence, after finishing third at Glendale, USA, in October.
New Zealand opened their account in Dubai with wins over Japan (48-0) and England (40-12), before meeting France.
Kelly Brazier scored a quick try double either side of halftime to put New Zealand in the box seat, but France responded with tries to Seraphine Okemba and Joanna Grisez to snatch victory.
Fiji finished their pool with a win over Ireland, a loss to Australia and draw with Spain.
The Aussies will face Spain again in the knockout phase, while USA take on Russia in the other quarter-final.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks Sevens kept their title defence on track, emerging undefeated from pool play, with success against Wales (36-7), Canada (31-7) and Samoa (40-7).
But they now face the United States, one of the big improvers on the world sevens circuit, after the Americans dropped a game to Australia.
The Australians take on Samoa, France face England and South Africa will meet Argentina, who eliminated powerhouse Fiji powerhouse with a 24-21 upset and a points-difference countback.
