New Zealand defeated Samoa, France and the United States in an emphatic display of dominance.

They got the better of the Samoans 33-7 and the Americans 24-12 while the French proved to be more of a test, but the hosts managed to get over the line 21-14.

“You can never be too happy,” said interim head coach Scott Waldrom.

“We did some good stuff, but then we switched off.

“We'll go through the video, but there is definitely room for improvement.

“The experienced guys are a lot happier, we’ve changed the way they play a bit, giving them more freedom.”

Having finished 13th in both Dubai and Cape Town in South Africa, the Canadians won all three of their pool matches against Wales, Scotland and Russia today to advance.

The first surprise of the day came when Canada beat Scotland 28-19 in Pool D, with the impressive Nathan Hirayama among the try scorers.

The North Americans then went on to deliver excellent performances against the Welsh and Russia winning 28-5 and 29-0 respectively at the Westpac Stadium.

Coach Damian McGrath was satisfied with the performance on day one.

“I can’t ask for more than three from three, but it was the work off the ball and our defence which impressed me.

"Last year the guys were nearly-men at almost every tournament.

“There is so much talent in the squad and we just need to believe it.”

The third round of the World Rugby Sevens Series also saw South Africa top the "Pool of death" after beating Fiji, Australia and Japan on day one.

They were one of four sides to maintain 100 per cent records at the Westpac Stadium, with New Zealand, England and Canada also progressing without a defeat.

South Africa eased past Japan 33-0 and, while Australia battled bravely, the Blitzboks were strong in defence during a 28-0 win.

The highlight of Pool B was the clash between Fiji and South Africa.

In a typically intense encounter, Fiji clawed their way back into the game to make it 17-12 during the second half, until a wayward Fijian offload made it's way into the hands of Seabelo Senatla who put the game beyond the reigning champions.

Fiji's 26-12 victory over Australia was marred by a six match suspension for Nemani Nagusa for contact with the eyes of an opponent.

However, the Rio 2016 Olympic champions picked themselves up and ran eight tries past Japan to secure a 56-0 victory.

England continued their winning ways from Cape Town with 40-0 and 26-7 victories over Papua New Guinea and Argentina respectively.

They then completed their impressive day by easing past Kenya 31-12 to ensure a quarter-final place on day two against Scotland.

The other quarter-finals tomorrow see hosts New Zealand face Fiji, Canada take on Argentina and South Africa play France.