Rugby: NZ cruise through pool play

New Zealand has made untroubled progress during pool play at the England rugby sevens tournament.

Gordon Tietjens' side beat Portugal 43-7, Canada 40-0 and Argentina 38-0 to set up a quarterfinal clash with Fiji, who were upset 17-12 by Scotland.

South Africa remained on course for its first sevens rugby world series crown after they also completed the pool stage unbeaten.

Entering the penultimate tournament with a 28-point lead on England, South Africa can clinch the series by reaching tomorrow's final.

In its pool, South Africa swept aside Sevens World Cup champion Wales 29-5, drubbed Germany 70-0 and edged Australia 17-14 with a late try by Gio Aplon.

South Africa will meet France in the quarterfinals, along Scotland v Portugal and England v Australia.

- NEWSTALK ZB, AP