Russia shock defending champions New Zealand on day for underdog at World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series

Russia shocked New Zealand as they recorded three victories in Dubai today ©World Rugby

Russia stunned defending champions New Zealand on their way to starting the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in commanding style as they recorded three victories on the opening day of the event in Dubai.

Alena Mikhaltsova crossed over twice against New Zealand as her side established a dominant 19-0 lead at half-time before they went on to seal a shock 33-7 victory against the three-times winners to get their campaign off to the perfect start.

They then went on to beat France 21-17 in a closely-fought encounter in which Mikhaltsova notched another double, before they proved too strong for Brazil in their third match of the day with a 41-0 thrashing.

Russia, fifth in the 2013-2014 edition of the annual event, will go on to face Spain, who picked up a 26-12 win over Japan in their last match today, in the quarter-finals as they topped Pool A.

Fiji also caused a surprise as they beat pre-tournament favourites Canada 24-10 in Pool B in the opening game of the season, running in four tries to set the tone for a perfect day for the Pacific nation.

The Fijian outfit overcame a stern test with the United States, emerging with a 24-19 triumph, and they rounded off the day with their third straight victory as they ousted Ireland 27-10.

Their performances ensured they finished at the summit of Pool B and they will take on France in the last eight tomorrow.

Fiji also upset the odds on day one as they beat pre-tournament favourites Canada ©World Rugby

The French squeezed into the quarter-finals by virtue of a comfortable 25-5 success against Brazil, which allowed them to secure third place in the pool.

Australia, third at last year’s event, were the only other team to end the day with a 100 per cent record as they also picked up three wins to set up a meeting with arch-rivals New Zealand tomorrow.

The Australians were rarely troubled by the Spaniards in their first match, sweeping their opponents aside 26-7, before they hammered newly-promoted Japan 43-0 to all but seal a berth in the quarter-finals.

Their toughest challenge came in the day's penultimate contest as they went up against England but they were able to put on an impressive display to earn a 24-7 win.

Despite the defeat, England also qualified for the last eight, where they will entertain Canada.

In the bowl semi-finals, Ireland will play Brazil while the United States clash with Japan.