By Tom Chick in Hong Kong
Defending champions Fiji got their title defence off to a winning start, beating Wales 42-7 in a repeat of last year's final at the end of day one of the 2014 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
The season's leading try scorer Samisoni Viriviri scored two and Emosi Mulevoro added 15 points as Ben Ryan's side impressed in the final match of day one.
Earlier, James Rodwell ran out first ahead of England's match to mark his 50th appearance on the World Series stage and scored a try in their 19-12 win over Argentina with captain Tom Mitchell continuing to impress this season, adding the other two tries.
Current HSBC Sevens World Series leaders South Africa proved too strong for France with a 31-7 victory thanks to two tries from Seabelo Senatla.
Second-placed New Zealand defeated Scotland 33-0, Gillies Kaka and Marty McKenzie scoring nine points each while Cameron Clark scored 11 points in Australia's 28-14 win against Spain.
USA beat Samoa for a second successive week, Zack Test continuing his fine form this season with two tries in their 26-12 win
John Moonlight also scored twice as Canada beat Portugal 35-7 before Kenya scored seven tries against Sri Lanka to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Collins Injera scored one of the seven tries to take him to joint third in the all-time leading try scorers in the history of the World Series behind Santiago Gomez Cora and Ben Gollings and alongside Fabian Juries.
Keep Rugby Clean
Friday in Hong Kong was also 'Keep Rugby Clean Day' with all 28 teams wearing T-shirts and showing their support for the IRB's ongoing education campaign around drug-free rugby and the dangers of doping.
South Africa Sevens star, Cecil Afrika, said: “I am extremely proud to be one of the IRB’s anti-doping ambassadors, and I can say with confidence that all the players here in Hong Kong have worn their ‘Keep Rugby Clean’ T-Shirts with pride.
"Rugby is one of the leading sports in terms of its anti-doping programme and education and we all feel very strongly about this. It is important that we play on a level playing field and ensure the integrity of our game.”
Reaction
Ben Ryan, Fiji's coach: "They were ready for this weekend. There is a look in their eye and they want this. We didn't start too well but at least this one's out the way after a long day waiting."
James Rodwell, on making his 50th appearance: "In terms of secrets that aren't many. I have been fortunate with injuries. It is a really enjoyable sport and I feel very lucky. To play in front of crowds like this it gives you such a lift."
Mick O’Connor, Australia coach: “Not emotional, but conscious of it being my last. It is my favourite, I've had a lot of good years and I will miss it here. At times it was impressive, Spain really exposed us on a couple of occasions but I think we coped with it well. It was a good game.”
Zack Test, USA: “All the credit goes to the boys. We didn’t start the season great, we had to find our rhythm and I think we have found it. It is all the work we do back in Chula Vista, the hard yards there and the hard metres here.”
