Simon Amor's England currently lie in fourth place overall on the HSBC Sevens World Series standings after winning the Plate competition last time out in Las Vegas.

They signalled their intention to be a force in this season's World Series by continuing their good form here in Wellington by securing three impressive wins to top a tough looking Pool A.

A 36-7 win over Portugal got their title defence under way, including tries for the prolific Dan Norton as well as Tom Mitchell, Phil Burgess, Jeff Williams and Tom Powell.

Norton was it again against 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Wales crossing the line for the 150th try of his international career helping his side to a 21-7 victory.

Two tries from captain Mitchell and a landmark 60th international try for James Rodwell saw England record their most impressive win over current table-toppers South Africa 19-5.

Canada continue to impress this season by recording three straight wins on the first day of action in Wellington ©IRB



South Africa are looking to secure their third straight World Series win following victories in Port Elizabeth and Las Vegas.

"James Rodwell's been outstanding today, Phil Burgess hasn't played many tournaments but he's done well and we're getting better overall," said Amor.

England will face Samoa in tomorrow's quarter-final after the Pacific islanders finished behind Gold Coast runners-up Australia in Pool D.

Samoa and Australia set up a pool-topping clash after both nations recorded wins over Tonga and Kenya but it was the Aussies who prevailed 15-12 in a tight contest with a late Cameron Clark penalty proving the difference.

"Samoa beat us at the last tournament in Las Vegas so we'll need to step up again against them next time round," added Amor.

Australia now face a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with the Blitzbokke.

Canada's superb start to the season shows no sign of abating as they followed up their best ever finish at a World Series event in Las Vegas - finishing third - by powering their way to three straight wins over Argentina, Scotland and the United States.

A second-half brace from Ciaran Hearn helped the North Americans to a 24-5 win over South American rivals Argentina in the Pool C decider to set up a daunting quarter-final match against reigning World Series and World Cup Sevens champions New Zealand.

Samisoni Viriviri of Fiji powers his way to the line to secure victory over hosts and defending World Series champions New Zealand ©IRB



The All Blacks, second on the current World Series rankings, recorded comprehensive wins over Spain and France but those came after an opening game defeat to Fiji.

The Fijians, under the direction of former England head coach Ben Ryan, stunned the All Blacks as tries from Emosi Mulevoro and Samisoni Viriviri were enough to see them emerge 12-7 victors.

The men in white ensured they topped Pool B by following up with wins over Spain and France, to set up a quarter-final meeting with Argentina.

The Bowl quarter-finals see Wales take on Tonga, Scotland versus Spain, Kenya up against Portugal and France taking on the United States.

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