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Hosts New Zealand remain on course for a third successive win on the IRB Sevens World Series going unbeaten on day one of the NZI Sevens in Wellington.

The Kiwis overcame World Series champions South Africa in the final game of Friday to book their passage through to the Cup quarter-finals the top of Pool A.

Canada, making their first appearance of the IRB season, were the success story of the day stunning Argentina in their opening fixture to make their first Cup quarter-final in three years.

Fiji (Pool B) England (Pool C) and Samoa (Pool D) all topped their groups and head into the day 2 knockouts unbeaten thus far this weekend.

New Zealand will tackle Australia in tomorrow’s Cup last eight, with England meeting the Canadians, Kenya taking on Samoa. For the third successive tournament this season South Africa will meet Fiji what is set to be another enthralling quarter-final.

New Zealand unstoppable?

The Kiwis were in ruthless form earlier on in the day in Pool A beating Wales (29-5) and Nieu (49-5). A magnificent defensive display was the backbone of their win over South Africa (19-7) to take out the group.

The Boks were much improved from Dubai and George and thrashing Wales and Nieu to book their passage through. Wales were made to work hard for their 26-12 win over minnows Nieu, but gives Paul John’s side confidence heading into tomorrow.

Fiji looking strong

William Ryder went over for his 100th score in Fiji’s easy opener against Scotland (36-5) in Pool B. His side looking confident in their other wins against Waisale Serevi’s Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia.

Australia eventually overcame PNG 31-12 and enjoyed a thumping win over Scotland also. The Scots won the bottom-of-the table clash against PNG to take third place in the group.

Barrett injury a blow for England

Defending champions England have lost their captain Kevin Barrett to injury but still looked impressive in their three wins today to top Pool C. They overcame USA and Tonga with ease before proving too clinical for Kenya in the Pool decider.

The Kenyans struggled against Tonga 15-7 but were too powerful for USA to clinch their last right place. Al Caravelli's US will take solace from a brave win over Tonga.

Canada and Samoa go through

Samoa went unharmed in Pool D using their counter-attacking tactics efficiently in registering victories over Argentina, France, and Canada.

The Canadians shock win over Argentina was the major talking point in Pool D though and showed real courage to edge France at the death. For the first time this season the Pumas must go into the Bowl, joined by an improved France.

NZI Sevens Wellington - Day 1 As it Happened

Day 1 Pictures from NZI Sevens

NZI Sevens, Wellington Day 1 Results:

Match 1: Samoa 31 France 12
Match 2: Argentina 7 Canada 26
Match 3: England 31 United States 7
Match 4: Kenya 15 Tonga 7
Match 5: Fiji 36 Scotland 5
Match 6: Australia 31 Papua New Guinea 12
Match 7: New Zealand 29 Wales 5
Match 8: South Africa 38 Niue 12
Match 9: Samoa 27 Canada 14
Match 10: Argentina 17 France 5
Match 11: England 24 Tonga 19
Match 12: Kenya 22 United States 7
Match 13: Fiji 41 Papua New Guinea 0
Match 14: Australia 24 Scotland 7
Match 15: New Zealand 49 Niue 5
Match 16: South Africa 38 Wales 7
Match 17: France 19 Canada 21
Match 18: United States 15 Tonga 7
Match 19: Scotland 34 Papua New Guinea 5
Match 20: Wales 26 Niue 12
Match 21: Samoa 33 Argentina 14
Match 22: England 24 Kenya 10
Match 23: Fiji 38 Australia 7
Match 24: New Zealand 19 South Africa 7

2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series

New Zealand 48 points, Fiji 36, England 28, Samoa 26, Argentina 22, Kenya 22, Australia 18, South Africa 16, Wales 8.