The Black Ferns Sevens are one win away from reclaiming the World Series.
They went unbeaten through day one at the Clermont Sevens, topping their pool and booking a Cup quarter-final against Fiji at 11.06pm tonight (NZT). Victory there will secure the title due to their 14-point buffer over Canada and Australia.
However, it was not all plain sailing for New Zealand. They took some time to subdue Japan 21-10, while a Michaela Blyde double helped see off Ireland 26-5. A strong first half against USA saw them take a 19-7 lead to the break before they prevailed 19-14.
Blyde, captain Tyla Nathan-Wong and Niall Williams led the tryscoring with two apiece, while Nathan-Wong kicked eight goals.
Rivals Canada and Australia were also unbeaten, topping their respective pools. In Pool B, England showed how far they have fallen in the sevens game by succumbing 27-0 to Russia and 45-0 to Canada. They appear to be putting all their eggs in the 15s basket and the defence of their Women's Rugby World Cup.