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South Africa and Argentina were the only teams unbeaten by the end a thrilling days play on Day 1 at the World Games.

Gold Medal favourites and IRB Sevens champions South Africa were made to work hard by a spirited Portugal side in Pool B.

Renfred Dazel’s conversion proved the only difference between the sides in a tense 7-5 affair. Francisco Serra scored for the former European champions, whilst Phillip Snyman crashed over for South Africa.

Argentina sprung the major surprise on Day 1 beating IRB Sevens runners-up Fiji 17-7 in Pool A. Earlier in the day in the Pumas overcame a brave Japan 15-5 thanks to a Hernan Olivari hat-trick. Things got easier for the World Cup finalists in their next game with a with a comfortable 31-0 win over Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Hosts Chinese Taipei in Pool gave their home crowd something to cheer by upsetting the USA (22-17) with Wang Jen-Hsi grabbing a brace. It was a day to forget for Al Caravelli’s young US side as they lost to Portugal 22-7 and then went down 26-7 to South Africa as well to finish bottom of Pool B.

The Boks had earlier got the better of the hosts with a 29-0 thanks largely to Ryno Benjamin’s hat-trick.
Fiji and Hong Kong kicked off the 2009 World Games, with the Fijians proving too hot for Dai Rees’ side courtesy of a 26-10 win with Seremaia Burotu, Emosi Vucago, Orisi Sareki and Nasoni Roko all going over. Things didn’t get much better for Hong Kong as they also lost to regional rivals Japan 20-5 meaning they finish bottom of Pool A.

Day 2 Quarter-Finals line up:

Argentina v USA
Hong Kong V Portugal
Chinese Taipei V Fiji
South Africa v Hong Kong

Day 1 Results:

Pool A
Fiji 26-10 Hong Kong
Argentina 15-5 Japan
Fiji 19-10 Japan
Argentina 31-0 Hong Kong
Fiji 7-17 Argentina
Japan 20-5 Hong Kong

Pool B
South Africa 29-0 Chinese Taipei
USA 7-22 Portugal
South Africa 7-5 Portugal
USA 17-22 Chinese Taipei
South Africa 26-7 USA
Portugal 19-5 Chinese Taipei