With two matches played in each group today, the Kiwis first edged past Kenya 5-0 before romping past Samoa 28-10.

The three other sides in the group all beat each other - with Kenya sneaking through in second place thanks to a superior points difference.

They lost their second game today as well - 17-10 to France - but their 24-0 victory over the Samoans on day one yesterday proved to be key.

In Group B, England backed-up their surprise victory over South Africa yesterday by topping the standings.

They saw off fierce rivals Scotland 19-0 in their opening contest and although they were held to a 12-12 draw by Russia, they still did enough to top the pile.

The South Africans recovered from their 21-14 defeat to the English to qualify after two wins today without conceding a point - 50-0 against Russia and then 31-0 against the Scots.

In Group C, the United States were in fine form as the qualified with a 100 per cent record.

They were too strong for Argentina thanks to a 26-14 win and they then saw off the considerable challenge of Australia, 22-7.

Australia's 45-7 win over Portugal saw them reach the last eight on goal difference.

Fiji, the World Rugby Sevens Series leaders, hammered South Korea 57-0 and then beat Wales 36-10 to qualify as Group D winners.

The Welsh beat Canada 24-10 in their other fixture and went through as runners-up after their 40-14 win over the Koreans yesterday.

In tomorrow's quarter-finals at the Hong Kong Stadium, New Zealand play Wales, USA play South Africa, Fiji take on Kenya and England face Australia.