James Rodwell makes a break in England's stunning win over Fiji in Dubai © Getty Images

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Teams: Arabian Gulf | Argentina | Australia | England | Fiji | France | Kenya | New Zealand | Samoa | Scotland | South Africa | Wales

England clinched a place in the Cup quarter-finals at the season-opening Dubai Sevens on Friday in the most dramatic of circumstances.

After suffering a shock defeat by 14-12 defeat by Portugal, who then subsequently saw off France, England went into their final pool game against already-qualified Fiji knowing that nothing less than a victory would suffice.

With the scores tied at 21 points apiece and time running out, England appeared doomed. However, Simon Hunt then raced away to score in the dying seconds to send Ben Ryan's men through as runners-up ahead of Portugal on points difference.

Elsewhere, Samoa began the defence of their title with an exciting 21-21 draw with world champions Wales. Both sides then racked up victories over Pool A rivals Arabian Gulf and Kenya to cruise into the last eight.

Commonwealth Games titleholders New Zealand made an ominously good start to their campaign, sweeping USA, Zimbabwe and Argentina aside on their way to claiming top spot in Pool B. Zimbabwe had earlier caused a major upset in the group by defeating Argentina 24-14 but the Africans were ultimately pipped to second spot by the South Americans.

Like New Zealand, Pool C heavyweights Australia also progressed with a 100 percent record after following up comfortable wins over Scotland and Russia with a hard-fought 19-14 victory over South Africa. Despite the defeat, the Blitz Boks sneaked into the last eight on points difference ahead of Scotland, with whom they had earlier played out a 19-19 draw.

Cup quarter finals:
Samoa v USA
Fiji v South Africa
Australia v England
New Zealand v Wales

Bowl quarter finals:
Kenya v Argentina
Portugal v Russia
Scotland v France
Zimbabwe v Arabian Gulf