The women's side, who are Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions, breezed past Colombia 47-5 in their opening fixture at the Cape Town Stadium.

Risi Pouri-Lane starred for the Black Ferns Sevens as she amassed 18 points, with two tries and four conversions as her side crossed the line seven times.

Tenika Willison added two more conversions while scores from Michaela Blyde, Shiray Kaka, Portia Woodman and a Kelly Brazier double completed the rout.

The win sets up a quarter-final clash with Ireland who are looking to better their record sixth-place finish from the 2018 tournament in San Francisco.

After a tense first-half, Anthony Eddy's side eventually ran out as 24-12 winners against Brazil.

The Brazilians rallied back from 14-0 down to go into the half just two points behind, but tries from Beibhinn Parsons and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe put the game beyond reach.

In the men's draw, New Zealand played with style against Scotland eventually running out as 43-5 victors.

The defending champions quickly found themselves at ease thanks to a first minute try from Amanaki Nicole.

Their main competitors Fiji, who have won both editions of the men's Olympic tournament, beat 2009 champions Wales 29-5 in the first match.

The Fijians will face Pacific rivals Samoa in tomorrow's quarter-finals.

France and Australia are also due to meet while Ireland play South Africa, and New Zealand against Argentina makes up the rest of the bracket.

Australia face England in the first match of the women's championship section tomorrow in Cape Town before France play Fiji and the United States clash with neighbours Canada.