New Zealand won all three of their matches today in Clermont ©Getty Images

New Zealand edged closer to a fourth Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series title after completing the group stage undefeated today in France.

The Black Ferns topped the Group A table thanks to victories over Ireland, United States and Japan at the Stade Gabriel Montpied in Clermont-Ferrand.

They began their day with a 21-10 win over Japan before following this up with a 26-5 success against the Irish.

A sterner work-out was given to them in their final game of the day, but they eventually came out victorious with a 19-14 win over the US.

In Group B, Canada also completed the opening day of action with three consecutive wins.

They started with a 29-0 thrashing over Brazil and then saw off England even more emphatically 45-0.

Canada could not finish the day with a third clean sheet, but they did beat Russia 24-14.

Canada and Australia also made it through the opening day undefeated ©Getty Images
Canada and Australia also made it through the opening day undefeated ©Getty Images

Rio 2016 Olympic Games gold medallists and reigning Series champions Australia also maintained a 100 per cent winning record in Group C.

Spain were their first victims as they were hammered 41-0 before the Australians upended Fiji 35-5.

They rounded the day’s matches off by edging past hosts France 20-17.

Joining the undefeated trio in the quarter-finals are France, Ireland, the US, Russia and Fiji.

Canada will take on Ireland in the last eight while the hosts meet Russia.

New Zealand will secure the overall title if they beat Fiji while Australia face the US.