Both men's tournaments in Dubai were won by South Africa, and they overturned a 7-0 half-time deficit to beat Scotland 27-7 in Pool A.

Selvyn Davids scored two tries and Zain Davids, captain Siviwe Soyizwapi and Christie Grobbelaar each scored one in the second half for the Blitzboks.

Scotland also led their second match 12-0 at the interval, but two tries from captain Alex Davis sparked an England turnaround which sent them through to the quarter-finals 24-17.

Fiji withdrew from Pool A, with their three opponents each awarded three points.

Ireland are into the last eight from Pool B after 33-14 and 24-7 victories over Japan and Germany respectively.

However, third seeds Australia have work to do tomorrow to make sure of their progress, after being held to a surprise 12-12 draw by Germany in their opener before thrashing Japan 42-0.

In Pool C, hosts Spain were beaten 19-14 by the United States and 40-12 by second seeds Argentina in Málaga.

Those two sides are into the Cup quarter-finals after also recording big wins against Jamaica, and will meet tomorrow to decide who tops the group.

Jordan Sepho inspired France as he scored five tries in their 38-10 and 38-5 victories against Wales and Canada respectively which sent them through.

Their two opponents are set to face off tomorrow to decide who joins them after securing wins against Kenya.

In the Women's Series tournament, leaders Australia thrashed Belgium 40-5 in their Pool A opener with Dominique du Toit notching two tries in the first five minutes, and Charlotte Caslick, Demi Hayes, Maddison Levi and Tia Hinds crossing the whitewash once.

They then saw off Ireland 17-12 to book their Cup quarter-final berth.

Ireland are best placed to progress in second after beating Spain 21-5, although the hosts still have a chance after their 26-19 victory over Belgium.

The United States cruised through Pool B by triumphing 22-7 against Canada and 31-7 against Poland, with this group running a team short due to Fiji's withdrawal.

France and Russia are through from Pool C after two wins, with England and Brazil facing off tomorrow in a must-win clash to keep their hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams alive.

The pools are set to conclude tomorrow in Málaga, with Cup quarter-finals and placing matches scheduled to follow.