Bokke blitz Kiwis on the Gold Coast

South Africa recorded one of their most emphatic wins ever on the IRB Sevens World Series when they beat New Zealand 31-21 at the Gold Coast tournament on Saturday.


The BlitzBokke raced into an early 19-0 lead (which became 19-7 at half-time) and then stretched that to 31-7, before two late consolation scores gave the Kiwis' scoreline some respectability.


But there is no doubt the unbeaten Bokke were the best team on display on Day One of the opening round of the 2012/13 IRB Series.


Samoa were the first side to progress to the Cup quarterfinals unbeaten after beating England 19-17 in the final Pool C match on the opening day of action from the 2012 Gold Coast Sevens.


England's defeat also meant they miss out on the Cup competition at the expense of Kenya on points differential, after the two sides played out a 14-14 draw in the opening match of the 2012/13 HSBC Sevens World Series.


Argentina beat Wales to book their place in the Cup quarters and putting Wales in the Bowl competition. A late Jordan Tuapou try gave hosts Australia a one-point (15-14) win over the dangerous Fijians and allowed them to top Pool B.


Cup quarterfinals:

South Africa v France

Samoa v Fiji

Argentina v New Zealand

Australia v Kenya


We bring you all the Day One action!


Pool A:


South Africa defeated New Zealand 31-19 to end Day One unbeaten and book their place in the Cup quarterfinals as Pool A winners.


Defending Series champions New Zealand began their campaign with a 19-7 victory against United States thanks to Mark Jackman scoring a brace and a 28-21 defeat of Canada with Tomasi Cama scoring twice to maintain their 100 percent record.


Cornal Hendricks scored the first hat-trick of the tournament as South Africa beat Canada 38-0 in the second Pool A match before they also beat United States 33-5,


In the penultimate Pool A match, Canada beat North American rivals 22-21. The eventual winners led 17-0 in the first half and had to withstand an American comeback, but two Sean Duke tries helped Geraint John's side to a third place finish in Pool A.


The result meant United States were unable to seek revenge for their defeat in the final of the recent NACRA Sevens Championship.


Results:

New Zealand 21-31 South Africa

United States 21-22 Canada

South Africa 33-5 United States

New Zealand 28-21 Canada

South Africa 38-0 Canada

New Zealand 19-7 United States


Pool B:


Jordan Tuapou scored a late winner for the hosts as Australia booked their place in the Cup quarter finals at Skilled Park unbeaten after a 15-14 victory against defending champions Australia.


The hosts' first match saw Michael O'Connor's side beat Tonga. Pama Fou scored the opening try to the delight of the home crowd, before Jesse Parahi (two), Sean McMahon and captain Ed Jenkins crossed for second half tries to secure a 31-14 win before they also beat Scotland 22-0.


Osea Kolinisau scored Fiji's first of five tries in the defending Gold Coast Sevens champions' 31-14 victory against Scotland.


In their second match they beat Pacific neighbours Tonga 35-5, Joji Raqamate scoring 11 of their points as the defending champions remained unbeaten after their first two matches.


The only non core team competing at this tournament, Tonga, ended the day on a high by beating Scotland 24-5 to finish third. The two side's have been locked at 5-5 at the break, but three second half tries ensured a win for the Pacific island side.


Results:

Fiji 14-15 Australia

Scotland 5-24 Tonga

Australia 22-0 Scotland

Fiji 35-7 Tonga

Australia 31-14 Tonga

Fiji 31-14 Scotland


Pool C:


Samoa booked their place in the Cup quarters as Pool C winners after a 19-17 victory against England. Tom Mitchell (two) and Dan Norton scored for Ben Ryan's side, but Lio Lolo snatched victory with his side's third try.


The victory for the islanders added to earlier 14-12 and 31-10 wins against Kenya and Spain respectively.


Kenya join Samoa in the top eight on day on points differential after they drew with England 14-14 in the day's opening match. Dan Norton had scored the first try of the Series, but two second half tries from Kenya delighted coach Mike Friday on the touchline, substitute Dennis Ombachi stealing the headlines.


England narrowly won their second match, Jeff Williams leaving it late to cross for the winning try in a 13-10 victory against Spain whilst Kenya recorded their first victory of Day One by also beating Spain 26-12 thanks to two Collins Injera tries.


Results:

England 17-19 Samoa

Kenya 26-12 Spain

Samoa 14-12 Kenya

England 13-10 Spain

Samoa 31-10 Spain

England 14-14 Kenya


Pool D:


Two tries from Nicolas Bruzzone helped Argentina beat Wales 17-5 to book their place in the Cup quarters alongside France from Pool D.


France beat Argentina 14-7 in their opening match thanks to tries from Renaud Delmas and Steve Barry, adding to a 12-5 victory against Portugal with tries coming from Manoel Dall Igna and Julien Candelon.


Argentina, France and Wales all finished the day on seven points, but it was the defending Rugby World Cup Sevens champions who missed out on points differential.


Results:

Argentina 17-5 Wales

France 12-5 Portugal

Wales 19-17 France

Argentina 26-0 Portugal

Wales 19-12 Portugal

Argentina 7-14 France