Having triumphed in the opening two legs of the series in Dubai and Brazil, they got off to a winning start against Russia in their first Pool A match, claiming a 17-12 victory.

It proved to be their most difficult encounter of the pool, as New Zealand crushed South Africa 52-0, before inflicting a 57-0 defeat on the hosts the United States.

The Americans, however, had already recorded two victories of their own, beating South Africa 36-5 and Russia 19-12 to seal second place in the Pool.

Russia secured the remaining quarter-final berth by finishing third after beating South Africa 43-0 in the decisive final match of the stage.

Russia will face England in the last eight after they made light work of Pool C, which consisted of Canada, Brazil and China.

England, having suffered quarter-final exits in Dubai and Brazil, sit in fifth in the overall standings, with only the top four sealing qualification spots at Rio 2016, but their form suggests they could go further in Atlanta.

They began the first day with 33-7 and 24-0 victories over China and Brazil respectively, before tries from Alice Richardson, Danielle Waterman and Jo Watmore saw them overcome Canada 26-10 in the battle to advance as Pool C winners.

Australia topped Pool B after securing three wins ©World Rugby



Canada advanced as runners-up, while Brazil also made the last eight after their 17-7 win over China but will begin as huge underdogs when they face defending Women's World Sevens Series champions New Zealand.

Last year's runners up Australia, currently second in the overall standings, topped Pool B and will face the hosts in the quarter-finals, following wins over Fiji, Spain and France.

"It wasn't our best day but I'm pleased with three wins," said Tim Walsh, Australia's coach.

"If we are to contest for a title tomorrow we will need to improve our ball possession and eliminate handling errors.

"The US will be formidable opponents for us, they are demonstrating speed, aggression and passion."

France will face Canada in the final quarter-final after finishing in second in the pool with two victories, including a narrow 12-10 win over Fiji.

The French also ran in six tries in a 36-0 demolition of Spain with Carolina Ladagnous, whose brother Matthieu is a professional cyclist and competed at the 2014 Tour de France, claiming a brace.

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