Robert Ebersohn was the hero of South Africa's win over the Cook Islands © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Gollings confident of strong England showing

Teams: Argentina | Australia | England | France | New Zealand | Scotland | South Africa | Wales

England got off to a nightmare start at the Adelaide Sevens, going down 21-17 to a youthful Australia side. Domonic Shipperley and the outstanding Luke Morahan gave the home side the advantage before Tom Varndell and Ollie Phillips hit back before half-time. Phillips scored again to give his side the lead before Richard Kingi set up Shaun Foley for the winning score.

In Pool A's other game, Samoa scored four second-half tries to defeat a feisty Portugal side 26-5 and blow a difficult group wide open.

Fiji continued their fine run of form after winning in Hong Kong with Nasoni Roko and Niumaia Rokobuli contributing braces in a 33-7 win over Scotland. Scott Forrest had earlier put the Scots ahead, but Fiji answered this challenge strongly and finished comfortable winners.

Argentina left it late to beat France 14-7, with Martin Rodriguez scoring his second try of the game to snatch the points away from France and set up an exciting match-up with Fiji.

New Zealand and the USA were the big winners in Pool C. New Zealand saw off the challenge of World Cup-winners Wales with a 24-10 win, Ben Souness, Zar Lawrence, Julien Savea and Tim Mikkelson all crossing.

USA captain Kevin Swiryn scored a last-gasp try to defeat Tonga 17-14. Matt Hawkins and Justin Boyd had earlier scored to draw the USA back into contention after a brace from Tonga's Vaea Poteki had given them the impetus.

There were no surprises in Pool D, with both Kenya and series leaders South Africa registering wins. Collins Injera and Humphrey Kayange scored as Kenya pulled through 12-5 winners against Japan in the opening match.

Robert Ebersohn was the hero for South Africa as his two tries helped them to a 28-7 victory against the Cook Islands. Renfred Dazel and Vuyo Zangqa were also on target for the South Africans, who will want to repeat their victory of last season at the tournament.