Australia won the first World Rugby Sevens Series event of the season in Dubai ©Getty Images

Australia thrashed United States 34-0 to win the curtain-raising World Rugby Women's Sevens Series leg in Dubai after the Americans had stunned holders New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

The Australians, the Rio 2016 Olympic champions, ran in six tries as the US were brushed aside in the final in the United Arab Emirates city.

Dominque du Toit crossed the whitewash twice in the rout with Emma Tonegato, Sharni Williams, Evania Pelite and Emilee Cherry also dotting down at The Sevens Stadium.

It hands Australia the perfect start to the season as they look to regain the overall Sevens Series title they surrendered to New Zealand last term.

The Kiwis won all but one of last season's tournaments with Australia's last success coming in April of the 2015-2016 campaign in the US.

"We're absolutely ecstatic with that win," said Williams, Australia's co-captain.

"It's been a long time coming since that last gold medal.

"The girls have worked extremely hard in the pre-season and it's great to get the rewards for that."

After yesterday's group action the big result of the day came when New Zealand were pipped 14-12 by the US in the last eight.

Olympic champions Fiji began the men's tournament with three group victories ©Getty Images
Olympic champions Fiji began the men's tournament with three group victories ©Getty Images

New Zealand were undefeated since Janaury, when they lost to the same opponents, and had not missed a semi-final since Dubai in 2015.

They were undone when Kelsi Stockert's try was converted in the final seconds by Alev Kelter.

The Americans added a 21-12 semi-final win over Russia with Australia beating Canada 25-7 in the last four.

Other quarter-finals saw Australia beat England 29-12, Russia beat Spain 20-7 and Canada defeat France 24-19 following extra time.

The first day of the men's season also took place in Dubai today with group action played to a conclusion.

Olympic champions Fiji won all three matches en-route to the last eight, including a 26-19 win over Australia who had to make do with second place in Pool C.

Defending overall champions South Africa registered a 100 per cent record in Pool A with Kenya also going through, while England thrashed neighbours Scotland 29-0 as they topped Pool B with three wins in front of their rivals.

New Zealand also enjoyed a perfect start, going through on top of Pool D alongside Samoa.

Tomorrow's quarter-finals on the final day see South Africa play Samoa, Fiji meet Scotland, England play Australia and New Zealand face Kenya.