The Kiwis, who had not played due to COVID-19 restrictions, began their campaign with a 12-10 victory against Argentina at the National Stadium.

Tries from Sam Dickson and Moses Leo gave Clark Laidlaw's side a slender victory as Felipe del Mestre was made to rue two missed conversions.

Three tries after 11 minutes led them to an impressive 19-7 win over Scotland while Wales offered little resistance to a 43-5 demolition in Pool C.

The results set a quarter-final tie with Samoa, who were also making a return after more than two years, as they finished second in Pool B following a 26-17 loss to Australia.

Australia topped the table after also beating Spain and England, 28-12 and 40-0, respectively.

South Africa suffered a rare loss in Pool A.

The Blitzbokke dispatched Canada and Kenya in their opening fixtures but could not find a way round the US who eventually topped the group.

Fiji then led the way in Pool D, pipping Ireland to pole position on points difference.

The Irish beat them 21-12 but stumbled to a 12-5 defeat to France which cost them a higher seeding for the quarter-finals.

As a result they have been drawn against a formidable US side.

Fiji, meanwhile, also face a tough challenge against South Africa in the final-eight while Australia and Argentina make up the last fixture in the opening knockout round.