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After a rollercoaster day of surprises on the opening day’s pool games at Wellington, it was impossible to predict the outcome for day 2 with any number of sides capable of snatching glory.

Series leaders South Africa were walking wounded after Day 1 with Gio Aplon and skipper Mzwandile Stick picking up injuries. Coach Paul Treu’s mood would not have been helped when Philip Snyman went down during the warm-up before the hotly anticapted quarter-final against New Zealand.

The Boks dominated possession and territory throughout the match but it was the Kiwis impeccable defence that seemed to be the key in this tight arm wrestle. South Africa, who on several times came very close to scoring, made too many unforced errors and their ill discipline proved costly. With Mpho Mbiyozo yellow carded for a dangerous tackle the hosts used their advantage to score - Lote Raikabula crossing over for the deciding try.

A resurgent England come back from two tries down to eventually put away an out of sorts Fiji 31-10. Off the back of their win over series leaders South Africa on Day 1, Kenya had high hopes of progressing to the semi-finals against the Welsh. In a low scoring tight affair it was the Africans who were good value for their win playing with slightly more width and adventure to edge the Welsh 10-7.

Arguably the two form teams from the opening day had been the only unbeaten side thus far, Argentina, and a dangerous USA. Yet it was the Pumas who took control in the second half and looked a class act, edging out the Eagles 24-14. All time leading IRB Sevens try scorer Santiago Comez Gora chipped in with a standard brace to dash the Eagles, who perhaps need to find more consistency and a formula for winning ugly.

It all seemed a step too far for Kenya in the first Semi-Final with England clinically defeating them 24-0. Skipper Ollie Phillips, who had missed the last IRB leg in George, was electric scoring the first three of their four tries with forward Chris Cracknell putting the finishing touches on an impressively professional display.

Hosts New Zealand had been struggling to find any definitive rhythm all weekend but again bravely persevered shoving aside Argentina 10-7 to set up a meeting with the English.

It was a semi-final win that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested, with Argentina crossing for their sole try by Martin Rodriguez in the final act of the game.

Victory was forged in the opening minutes as the ever impressive Zar Lawrence and Nafi Tuitavake scooted over for both long-range tries, taking advantage of lapses in an Argentine defence that has been one of the meanest on show.