Rugby: Black Ferns Sevens one win away from World Series title

Tyla Nathan-Wong. Photo / Getty

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.

The other quarter-finals tonight see Canada play Ireland, Australia versus the USA, and Russia against France.

New Zealand 21 (Ruby Tui, Niall Williams, Tyla Nathan-Wong tries; Nathan-Wong 3 con)
Japan 10
HT: 14-5

New Zealand 26 (Michaela Blyde 2, Alena Saili, Niall Williams tries; Tyla Nathan-Wong 3 con)
Ireland 5
HT: 12-0

New Zealand 19 (Tyla Nathan-Wong, Kat Whata-Simpkins, Gayle Broughton tries; Nathan-Wong 2 con)
USA 14
HT: 19-7

Pool A: USA 12 Ireland 7, USA 33 Japan 5, Ireland 26 Japan 5
Pool B: Canada 29 Brazil 0, Russia 27 England 0, Brazil 12 Russia 7, Canada 45 England 0, England 31 Brazil 24, Canada 24 Russia 14
Pool C: Australia 41 Spain 0, France 31 Fiji 14, Australia 35 Fiji 5, France 12 Spain 7, Fiji 45 Spain 7, Australia 20 France 17