Samoa and Fiji set the pace on day 1 of the IRB George Sevens in South Africa. Both sides impressed in going unbeaten, with England the only other side in the tournament to win all three of their games.

Samoa’s day got off to the perfect start when they exacted revenge on New Zealand, who had beaten them in the final of Dubai last weekend, edging the win 24-22. South Africa drew with Kenya 12-12 in the last match of the day, Mzwandile Stick's superb conversion denying the Kenyans a rare win over their African rivals. Russia’s 14-14 with Australia in Pool B was another highlight of a pulsating day of Sevens from Outeniqua Park.

Kenya clinch Pool A

South Africa started off well with Cecil Afrika’s hat-trick helping them to beat France in their opener and then followed by beating Zimbabwe in Pool A.

Kenya also kicked off their campaign in impressive style, Innocent Simiyu’s hat-trick proved too much for Zimbabwe before they also stormed to victory against France. Their superior points difference was enough in their draw against the hosts.

English the best in Pool D

England enjoyed victories over Tunisia, Argentina and Scotland in Pool B. Ben Ryan's side were tested by the Scots at the end of the day but the likes of Norton and Wade went over the line consistently.
Argentina may have lost out to England in their second game of the day but they ground out wins against Scotland and then eased past Tunisia 43-0. The Scots finished third in the group thanks to their 26-14 win over the Tunisians.

Fiji flying

In Pool B, Fiji thrashed Portugal 50-7 and, despite going a try down to Russia, beat the European champions 31-12. In the day's penultimate match Fiji were too good for Australia, winning 31-0, Osea Kolinisau scoring a brace.
The Russians draw against Australia couldn’t stop them finishing bottom of the Pool, with a defeat to Portugal souring their day.

Samoans strong again

Dubai winners, New Zealand, got over their opening round defeat to Samoa by going on to beat the USA and edge a brave Wales to take second place. The Kiwis have now made an incredible 86 consecutive cup quarter-finals.

Sherwin Stowers was the day’s leading scorer with six tries. Samoa followed up their win with a good win against Wales and a late try to beat USA 10-7 but captain Lolo Lui limped off and is a doubt for tomorrow.
Wales beat the durable USA, 15-12, to finish third overall in the Pool.

Day 1 As it Happened

Cup Quarter-Finals:

Kenya v Australia
England v New Zealand
Samoa v Argentina
Fiji v South Africa

Bowl Quarter-Finals:

Zimbabwe v Russia
Scotland v USA
Wales v Tunisia
Portugal v France

Day 1 Results:

Match 1: Scotland 5 Argentina 15 11.42
Match 2: England 45 Tunisia 0 12.04
Match 3: New Zealand 22 Samoa 24 12.26
Match 4: Wales 15 United States 12 12.48
Match 5: Fiji 50 Portugal 7 13.10
Match 6: Australia 14 Russia 14 13.32
Match 7: South Africa 38 France 14 13.54
Match 8: Kenya 50 Zimbabwe 0 14.16
Match 9: Scotland 19 Tunisia 14 14.48
Match 10: England 17 Argentina 7 15.10
Match 11: New Zealand 55 United States 0 15.32
Match 12: Samoa 26 Wales 0 15.54
Match 13: Fiji 31 Russia 12 16.16
Match 14: Australia 21 Portugal 5 16.38
Match 15: South Africa 29 Zimbabwe 5 17.00
Match 16: Kenya 33 France 7 17.22
Match 17: Argentina 43 Tunisia 0 17.54
Match 18: Samoa 10 United States 7 18.16
Match 19: Portugal 21 Russia 12 18.38
Match 20: France 5 Zimbabwe 31 19.00
Match 21: Scotland 19 England 29 19.32
Match 22: New Zealand 17 Wales 10 19.54
Match 23: Fiji 31 Australia 0 20.16
Match 24: South Africa 12 Kenya 12 20.38