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The Men’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai has served up some tantalising quarter-final line-up, with the top 6 teams all progressing through.

Wales have been the surprise package here and face a mighty challenge facing New Zeland in tomorrow’s quarter-final, the team they beat in Wellington earlier this season. Earlier they saw off Uruguay which was enough to progress on points difference.

England secured their passage with wins over Tunisia and Kenya, the Tunisians proving spiky opponents who looked capable of causing an upset. A conversion from Ben Gollings was all that separated the sides at the final whistle. They hit their straps nicely against Kenya though with power from Damu and the sublime pace from Varndell – the quickest man on offer in Dubai.

Samoa booked their automatic spot to face England in the quarters with a resounding 19-0 win over Australia. Rudi Moor’s men were in fine form throughout the day, earlier defeating a feisty Portugal side 20-7 and know they have a good record against the English.

Kenya also progressed into the quarter-finals on points difference and face a tough ask in turning over Fiji. The Islanders emphatically defeated France 38-5 in their final Pool match, their ploy of re-calling their international stars working as Napolioni Nalaga particularly going well. They progressed into the quarter-finals after earlier defeating the United States comfortably, 26-12.

England's fellow top seeds South Africa secured a place in the last eight thanks to wins over Canada and Scotland, but their passage was far from easy. Canada, one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far, ran them close before losing 15-7 and the Scots went down 19-14. South Africa now face Argentina in the quarter-finals.

The Pumas, England's conquerors in the final at San Diego, went through after defeating Wales 14-0 thanks to tries from Santiago Gomez Cora and Gonzalo Camacho. With a rock solid defense their match up with the Boks is too close to call.

The Kiwis sauntered through their group, defeating the Arabian Gulf 41-5 in the opening game of the day before seeing off the challenge of their fierce rivals Tonga 24-7 in the day's closing fixture. With Victor Vito not fully fit it was left to stars such as Tomasi Cama and DJ Forbes proving instrumental throughout the day.

Perhaps the game of the day was Ireland’s epic win over Australia with a late Brown try securing a famous win and sending the large Irish contingent in the 30,000 strong crowd into delirium.
 

Cup - New Zealand v Wales, England v Samoa, South Africa v Argentina, Kenya v Fiji.

Plate - Tonga v Tunisia, USA v Australia, France v Scotland, Portugal v Canada.

Bowl - Zimbabwe v Georgia, Japan v Uruguay, Ireland v Arabian Gulf, Hong Kong v Italy.

Day 2 – As it Happened

Day 2 Men’s Results:
New Zealand 41-5 Arabian Gulf (Pool A)
England 26-24 Tunisia (Pool E)
Samoa 20-7 Portugal (Pool D)
South Africa 15-7 Canada (Pool C)
Argentina 40-5 Zimbabwe (Pool F)
Fiji 26-12 USA (Pool B)
Kenya 43-7 Hong Kong (Pool E)
Tonga 31-10 Italy (Pool A)
Wales 27-0 Uruguay (Pool F)
Scotland 31-10 Japan (Pool C)
Australia 21-24 Ireland (Pool D)
France 33-0 Georgia (Pool B)
Zimbabwe 28-24 Uruguay (Pool F)
Canada 22-12 Japan (Pool C)
Tunisia 17-14 Hong Kong (Pool E)
Arabian Gulf 17-19 Italy (Pool A)
Portugal 17-5 Ireland (Pool D)
USA 33-5 Georgia (Pool B)
Argentina 14-0 Wales (Pool F)
South Africa 19-14 Scotland (Pool C)
Fiji 38-5 France (Pool B)
Samoa 19-0 Australia (Pool D)
England 26-7 Kenya (Pool E)
New Zealand 24-7 Tonga (Pool A