By Michael Pavitt

The United States impressive win over France saw them progress from a tight pool as winners ©AFP/Getty ImagesThe quarter-finals of the fourth round of the HSBC Sevens World Series rugby have been decided after the final pool matches came to a close in Wellington on a day packed with surprise results.

Pool A proved to be the tightest affair with France, South Africa and the United States finishing on the same number of points from their three matches, but the US topped the pool for only the second time in a Seven's World Series, after achieving the feat back in 2001, also in Wellington.

The decisive result in the group came in the United States' 38-7 victory over France, with the points difference helping the US to poll position and confirm the French exit, despite a shock win over South Africa.

South Africa, the leaders of the World Series standings and looking on course for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, join the US in the quarter finals after wins over the US and Japan, who finished bottom of the pool.

South Africa will face Kenya in the quarter-final stage after they recovered from a 37-7 defeat against Argentina to top Pool D by beating Scotland and Samoa in their final two matches.

Argentina were unable to maintain that blistering start as Scotland qualified second to set up a clash with the US.

New Zealand overcame England to top their pool ©AFP/Getty ImagesNew Zealand overcame England to top their pool ©AFP/Getty Images



Pool B saw the hosts New Zealand dominate proceedings, marching to comprehensive victories over Canada and Papua New Guinea before coming off best in the top of the table decider against England, where they earned a 24-5 victory.

Their progression will see them come up against rivals Australia in last eight after their narrow defeat to Fiji meant that they could only finish second in Pool C, while England will face the Fijians.

As the race for the four guaranteed qualifying berths for Rio 2016 continues, a record 19 broadcasters will be showing live coverage of the tournament, with over 200 hours of live coverage available to over 200 million homes worldwide.

The tournament is being broadcast live here.

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