The All-Blacks came into the final leg of the Series 18 points clear of second placed South Africa with 59-14 and 47-0 wins over Argentina and Wales respectively to mean they will earn enough points whatever happens tomorrow to seal their 12th title in 15 years.

Hosts England sent a record 74,969 crowd into raptures as they topped Pool A with a trio of victories against Argentina, Wales and New Zealand.

They will now face France in the Cup quarter-final hoping to claim a first home title since 2009, while New Zealand will have to overcome Pool D winners South Africa.

The Blitzboks looked comfortable throughout the opening day of action in London as they beat Portugal 43-7, France 47-7 and Scotland 26-12 to set up their tie with the newly crowned World Series champions.

Tom Mitchell kicked England to victory against New Zealand as they topped Pool A to the delight of a record 74,969 crowd in Twickenham ©IRB



Samoa, who have failed to make a Cup quarter-final since round five in New Zealand, won all three of their matches to set up an enthralling encounter with Pacific neighbours Fiji.

Fautua Otto, returning to the Samoan side for his 23rd World Series event, scored 18 points in their wins over Canada, Kenya and the United States.

Australia won all of their three matches and conceded just 12 points to secure their place in the quarter finals, in what will be coach Mick O'Connor's last Sevens World Series event in charge.

The Aussies will now face Pool B runners-up Kenya in the Cup quarter-finals

Spain's hopes of remaining a core side in the World Series were ended by lunchtime in Twickenham as they suffered 36-0 and 38-0 defeats to Australia and Fiji to deny them entry into the Cup quarter-finals.

They will be replaced in next season's Series by fellow Pool C side Japan, who failed to record a win in the opening day of competition following heavy defeats to Spain, Australia and Fiji.

They will now face last week's finalists Canada in tomorrow's Bowl quarter-finals and Spain will take on the US.

The final two encounters will see Argentina meet Portugal and Wales face Scotland in the Bowl quarter-finals.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2014: Sell-out crowd ready to watch final leg of Sevens World Series in Twickenham
May 2014: New Zealand storm to Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens Cup title
May 2014: Hosts Scotland progress to Cup quarterfinals after impressive first day at Glasgow Sevens
March 2014: New Zealand seal Hong Kong Sevens title
March 2014: Fiji lead charge into Hong Kong Sevens quarter-finals