Dan Norton runs in a try against USA © Getty Images

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News: New Zealand eye more Sevens glory

News: South Africa secure IRB Sevens crown

Teams: England | New Zealand | South Africa | Wales

Picture Gallery: IRB Sevens World Series - Dubai

England made the perfect start to the IRB Sevens, with wins over United States, Russia and Kenya propelling them to the quarter-finals, while holders South Africa kicked off in style in Dubai.

Coach Ben Ryan's England opened their campaign against United States and were not hard pressed to secure a 40-12 success. Dan Norton caught the eye against USA, running in a hat-trick of tries, while Dan Caprice touched down twice in the 28-0 win over Russia.

The win over Russia set up a clash with Kenya for top spot in Pool C and England emerged victorious despite falling behind inside the first minute. England rallied and Nick Royle's two tries before the break tipped the balance in their favour and further scores from Jake Abbott, Ben Gollings and Mat Turner wrapped up a 27-10 win to set up a last-eight meeting with Argentina.

South Africa had a tough assignment in their opening game against World Cup winners Wales, but Mzwandile Stick's one try and four conversions helped the Boks to a 28-14 win. The holders followed up with a 36-7 victory over Arabian Gulf, a result that propelled them to the quarter-finals.

Wales missed out on the quarter-finals with a 14-7 defeat to Australia so the fact they ran in 50 unanswered points against Arabian Gulf, built on the foundation of three tries from Alex Cuthbert, will be of little comfort to coach Paul John.

With Australia beating Arabian Gulf and Wales, they had the chance to wrestle top spot from South Africa but were brushed aside. Ryno Benjamin ran in two tries before the break and was supported by Paul Delport as the game was put beyond Australia before the interval. The impressive Stick showed his class in the second half with a brace of tries to secure a 29-0 win for South Africa.

New Zealand threw down a serious marker with three wins to claim top spot in Pool D. DJ Forbes and Ben Souness scored two tries apiece as Gordon Tietjens' side crushed Portugal 34-0, while France were shrugged aside 33-10.

Argentina overcame the same opponents to set up a battle with New Zealand for top spot, but they were no match as Sherwin Stowers ran in four tries in a 38-10 romp. Argentina impressed in their first two games, Hernan Olivari touching down in the Pumas' win against France and then Nicolas Bruzzone scoring three tries against Portugal to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Scotland and Zimbabwe shared the points in a 17-17 draw but the result did nothing for either side, as Fiji and Samoa progressed to the quarter-finals.

Fiji and Samoa played out a 12-12 draw in the final game in Pool B, with the result enabling Samoa to take top spot by virtue of a better points haul. Samoa's reward for holding on for a draw is sidestepping South Africa in the quarter-finals - a challenge that awaits Fiji.