Current series leaders New Zealand reached the Cup quarter finals in Australia on top of Pool A following their 34-14 victory against Kenya, captain DJ Forbes adding two of their six tries in the victory at the Adelaide Oval.
The 2011 Hong Kong Sevens champions began their campaign with a 36-10 victory against reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Wales, their 23rd victory in 24 meetings against the Welsh in the World Series, and a 40-7 victory against the Cook Islands.
Declan O’Donnell, Bryce Heem, Lote Raikabula, Tomasi Cama and Tim Mikkelson (2) all crossed for Gordon Tietjens’ side against Wales before a Toby Arnold hat-trick and two Scott Curry tries proved decisive against the Cooks.
Wales joined New Zealand in the quarter finals and will face rivals England after a 53-0 victory against Ramsey Tomokino’s Cook Islands. Alex Cuthbert and Richie Pugh both scored their 30th tries in World Series history during the win.
Paul John’s side had picked up their first win against Kenya, winning 26-14 thanks to two tries from Kristian Phillips.
A delighted Paul John said, “I’m pleased for the boys. They’ve worked hard after last week’s efforts in Hong Kong where we feel we didn’t do ourselves justice.
“We know it’s going to be incredibly tough against England as they are chasing New Zealand at the top of the points table and will be hungry to close the gap on the Kiwis.”
Cup quarter finals:
New Zealand v Argentina
Samoa v Australia
Fiji v South Africa
England v Wales
