Catalonia opened today by edging Poland 15-14 with a golden goal at the University of KwaZulu Natal University’s Westville Campus.

England, who have endured a disappointing competition having finished fourth in 2015, gained minor redemption for their shock defeat to debutants Suriname.

They beat Hungary 20-18 and are now due face the Catalonians for ninth place on Friday (August 9).

Australia and Slovakia earned victories in the 13th-16th place playoff games.

Slovakia beat Ireland 18-14, before Australia won 21-13 against Japan.

Tomorrow is due to see the semi-finals with nine-times champions and 2015 winners The Netherlands play China and Chinese Taipei taking on Belgium.

The fifth-eighth place games are also scheduled to take place as Germany face Portugal and Suriname take on the Czech Republic.