Top seeds New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and Samoa all came through the potentially tricky challenge of the single match on day one at the Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.

A crowd of over 29,000 then watched a fascinating evening's session, which produced wins for all four of the Six Nations sides playing, France impressive in seeing off Tonga and England's young side delighting the crowd by coming from behind to beat Canada, before the USA held on to beat Tunisia 26-21 in one of the matches of the day.

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All of the top sides won their opening games and, although they were clearly intent on scoring as many points as possible to secure a favourable quarter final draw at the end of day two, none of the so-called rugby minnows of Asia were humiliated. Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Japan and Korea were particularly impressive, all proving a handful for their more seasoned opponents and all crossing for tries.

Listen to David Campese, Waisale Serevi and Gordon Tietjens on this week's Total Rugby Radio show, as well as Justin Marshall, Shane Thompson, Eddie Jones and Victor Matfield. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW >>

Pool A

Two tries each by Tomasi Cama and Steven Yates inspired runaway series leaders New Zealand to a 50-5 win against Waisale Serevi's Chinese Taipei side. The kiwis were dominant in recording their 37th consecutive victory, although the loudest cheer went to the Wu Wei-Luan's solitary try at the death for the Taiwanese. The USA then built a strong lead against Tunisia, forward Todd Clever among the tries,  before holding on in the face of a late onslaught to win 26-21.

Pool B

Defending Hong Kong champions Samoa built on a solid 21-0 half time lead to beat battling Sri Lanka 35-7, Alafoti Fa'osiliva scoring a hat trick. England's young side then produced a confident performance, coming from behind to beat Canada with Chris Mayor scoring two tries.

Pool C

Mpho Mbiyozo and Fabian Juries each grabbed a brace as South Africa saw off the challenge of pacy Japan 40-7. Puma captain Santiago Gomez Cora then scored two tries to inspire the Argentinians to a 33-0 win against Russia, in doing so taking his personal try tally to 183, the leading mark in the history of Sevens.

Pool D

Yang Young-Hun scored a stunning try for Korea to give them an early lead against Fiji but the islanders hit back with six unanswered tries to win 42-7, William Ryder back on the Hong Kong score sheet and looking in ominous early form. Wales were then quick out of the blocks against Zimbabwe, captain Jonathan Edwards touching down either side of the break in their comfortable 34-0 win.

Pool E

Twenty-two points from returning playmaker Lavin Asego helped Kenya to an impressive opening win over China, 47-0, to get their challenge off to the best possible start in this tough pool. Scotland also remain on course for a 10th successive Cup quarter final after they saw off gutsy Portugal 26-10.

Pool F

Australia overcame a lively performance by the home side Hong Kong to win 24-12 in the opening match of the day. Hong Kong could well have led at the break but squandered opportunities and two tries by Peter Owens helped the Wallabies to victory. In the other match in the pool France overcame the odds to beat Tonga 21-7.

USA take women's glory

The USA women's team laid down a marker ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens by beating great rivals Canada 21-7 to win the Cable & Wireless Hong Kong Women's Rugby Sevens.

Stay with irbsevens.com for all the latest results, statistics, news and views on all three days of the Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.