Dubai Sevens: Big guns through to Cup quarters
New Zealand were given a fright by France, but managed a 21-14, but came back to demolish a hapless Portugal team 47-5. They then lost their final game of the day to the USA 12-14, but still finished ahead of the Americans in Pool C because of their superior points differential.
Fiji, South Africa and England were the only unbeaten teams on the opening day.
The defending World Series champions Fiji had no trouble in disposing Canada 63-14 in their opening match, but had to work much harder for a 21-17 come-from-behind win against a resilient Japan. It required a try by Savenaca Rawaca after the full-time hooter to save the Fijian blushes.
They then eased thrashed Argentina 28-0 to finish the day on a high note.
South Africa, the defending Dubai champions, eased past Samoa (33-7) – despite producing a sloppy performance in their opening match – and then disposed of Russia with greater ease (45-0). They then finished the day off with a 26-12 win over Scotland.
England were too good for Wales, winning 26-5, but were made to work much harder by a willing Kenyan team – the English eventually winning 19-12. They then showed their class to beat Australia 21-5 and top Pool D.
The Aussies had to work really hard for their 14-12 win over Kenya in their opening match. With just three minutes left on the clock the Africans held a 12-0 lead, before two late tries saved the day for the Aussies. They then bounced back in emphatic fashion to run away to a 43-0 win over Wales.
However, Australia ended that day with defeat to the English.
Cup quarterfinals:
New Zealand v Samoa
Fiji v Australia
England v Argentina
USA v South Africa
For the latest pool standings, CLICK HERE!
We look at all the pool action on Day One!
Pool A:
(Fiji, Argentina, Canada, Japan)
Results:
Fiji 63-14 Canada
Argentina 31-19 Japan
Fiji 21-17 Japan
Argentina 19-14 Canada
Canada 7-21 Japan
Fiji 28-0 Argentina
Pool B:
(South Africa, Scotland, Samoa, Russia)
Results:
South Africa 33-7 Samoa
Scotland 17-14 Russia
South Africa 45-0 Russia
Scotland 12-17 Samoa
Samoa 19-10 Russia
South Africa 26-12 Scotland
Pool C:
(New Zealand, United States, France, Portugal)
Results:
New Zealand 21-14 France
United States 45-14 Portugal
New Zealand 47-5 Portugal
United States 21-26 France
France 35-7 Portugal
New Zealand 12-14 United States
Pool D:
(England, Australia, Wales, Kenya)
Results:
England 26-5 Wales
Australia 14-12 Kenya
England 19-12 Kenya
Australia 43-0 Wales
Wales 12-10 Kenya
England 21-5 Australia
Sources: @WorldRugby7s & @rugby365com
