The United States leg is the campaign's curtain-raiser and the Kiwis, also the reigning World Cup winners, started as they left off as they bid for a sixth seasonal title in all.

They eased to three victories in Pool A at Infinity Park, beating Japan 40-7, Russia 40-12 and England 36-0 to move into the quarter-finals.

They also won in the US last season.

"It's always good to have a good start," said New Zealand's Stacey Waaka.

"There are eight tournaments now, nine including the Olympics, so we want to build a good foundation.

"We don't want to peak too high, it's only the first tournament, but if we can get this first win, it'll be awesome for us moving forward."

Russia shocked England 38-22 in the pool's opening match and then beat Japan 29-0 to also reach the quarter-finals.

England beat invitational side Japan, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic hosts, 21-14 but it was not enough to go through as one of the best third-placed sides.

Hosts the US reached the last eight but only qualified second from Pool B as France ended with a 100 per cent record.

The Americans were second overall in the Series last year but went down to the French 24-14.

France also defeated Ireland 28-7 and Brazil 38-5 to make a good start to the season.

The US whitewashed Brazil 27-0 and eased past the Irish 45-7 to qualify in second, while Ireland's 28-7 win over the South Americans was enough to send them through in third.

Reigning Olympic champions Australia won Pool C as they began their campaign for a third overall Series title.

They trashed Spain 31-5 and Fiji 35-7, but were then held to a 26-26 draw by Canada.

The Canadians qualified second after their 31-7 win over Fiji and 19-14 success over Spain.

Spain saw off Fiji 29-21 which saw them qualify in third.

The tournament are due be played to a conclusion tomorrow.

The quarter-finals will see New Zealand play Ireland, the US take on Canada, Australia play Russia and France meet Spain.