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New Zealand captain DJ Forbes says the pressure is off his team-mates as they eye the Rugby World Cup Sevens starting on Thursday.

Despite being ranked the No 1 side in the world when the tournament draw was made, New Zealand goes into the three-day tournament on the back of a relatively poor showing in San Diego and are still winless in the IRB Sevens World Series this season – a far cry from their run of 47 straight game winning streak last season.

New Zealand’s slow start hasn’t been helped by a host of injuries, including their talismanic skipper Forbes who was noticeably absent in San Diego. Forbes said with all things considered, at least New Zealand would be able to go into the tournament with some pressure off their backs.

"I think just for us, we haven't won a tournament (this season) and it is a matter of us just putting on a good performance," said the captain.

"We definitely aren't going to think too big. As far as we are concerned our first game is our final. We have a few new faces, a few injuries, so there will be a few new combinations."

Earlier this season Forbes had courageously battled through intense pain, following multiple foot and ankle injuries, to inspire the Kiwis through to the final of the Wellington Sevens before being pipped by England.

He will captain a very new-look New Zealand side in Dubai and notes that if his young squad can eradicate the errors their task will be that much easier.

"I guess for the younger guys there have been some silly mistakes, which have even come from some of the experienced boys," he said.

"So I guess it is eliminating those mistakes. Come the World Cup, we want to be error-free. I think to have a chance of getting anywhere, that's how we have to be."

Forbes said the return of play-maker Tomasi Cama and blockbusting runner Victor Vito would also give the New Zealand team a timely boost.

"Last year Tomasi was the heart of the team, he is an awesome play maker. And having Victor come back, he did well last year. We also have some fresh, young talent who are keen.

"We have a good mix, but like I say it comes down to the performance on the day. In the last four tournaments, we haven't shown that yet.”