Current Series leaders South Africa were one of three sides to reach the quarter-finals with a 100 per cent record ©World Rugby

Current Series leaders South Africa, defending champions Fiji and England progressed to the quarter-finals of the Sydney Sevens event with 100 per cent records after they all secured three victories on the opening day at the Allianz Stadium.

The South African side began with a comprehensive 33-7 success over Scotland before they also proved too strong for both Kenya and Russia to ensure they finished top of Pool B.

The Blitzboks, who triumphed in the home leg of the Series in Cape Town in December, will take on Argentina in the last eight tomorrow.

Reigning champions Fiji were also in impressive form today as they extended their pool stage record to 39 straight wins by overcoming France, Samoa and Argentina.

Savenaca Rawaca was the pick of the Fijian performers in the Pool C decider with the South American outfit as he scored twice to guide his side to a 19-14 success.

Fiji will face Kenya in the quarter-finals after the African team came second behind South Africa in Pool B.

England were the only other team to clinch three victories, though they had to fight hard for their narrow 17-14 triumph against the United States in their third and final Pool D contest.

Tries from Alex Davis, Alex Gray and captain Tom Mitchell helped England beat the Americans and finish at the summit of the pool, which came after they had also ousted Wales and Japan.

New Zealand fought back from 17-5 down to claim a late draw against hosts Australia
New Zealand fought back from 17-5 down to claim a late draw against hosts Australia ©World Rugby

Hosts Australia and Wellington Sevens winners New Zealand were involved in the pick of the day’s matches as the All Blacks fought back from 17-5 down to secure a thrilling 17-17 draw.

Rieko Ioane got the New Zealanders off to the best possible start with an early try before Australia racked up answered efforts from Edward Jenkins, Lewis Holland and James Stannard.

That period of dominance from the home side put New Zealand on the brink of defeat at half-time but they launched a spirited comeback, with Augustine Pulu and Ardie Savea both crossing over in the second-half as their side topped the group at the expense of their Oceanian rivals.

New Zealand will go up against the US in the last eight while the hosts will entertain England.

"We knew it would be a massive challenge and it was, it came right down to the wire and I guess that is what we have to work on, closing those games out in the dying seconds," Holland said.

"Today is a building block, it's all about day two, we have got to regroup, recover and tighten up on a few loose areas and come out tomorrow with our heads switched on, those nerves are settled now, and really put on a show tomorrow."