By Daniel Etchells

Hosts Japan progressed to their first Cup quarter-final since 2000 at the Sevens World Series event in Tokyo ©World RugbyHosts Japan progressed to their first quarter-final since 2000 at the HSBC Sevens World Series event in Tokyo after beating Samoa and drawing with Argentina in Pool D at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.

Despite losing 24-19 to France, who also secured a top-eight berth, Japan shared the spoils with Argentina in a 14-14 stalemate and overcame Samoa 26-12 to qualify.

Lomano Lemeki starred with a brace in the victory against Samoa, a side Japan also beat earlier in the Series in Port Elizabeth, before Chihito Matsui sealed the win

Their reward is an encounter against defending champions Fiji, one of only two sides to hold a 100 per cent record heading into the quarter-finals.

The other, current series leaders South Africa, will face Scotland, while New Zealand go up against Canada and France await England.

Defending champions Fiji are one of only two sides to hold a 100 per cent record heading into the quarter-finals ©World Rugby/Martin Seras LimaDefending champions Fiji are one of only two sides to hold a 100 per cent record heading into the quarter-finals ©World Rugby




Fiji met England in the Pool A decider as both sides saw off opponents Hong Kong and Wales in their other matches.

Doubles from Semi Kunatani and Vatemo Ravouvou helped a ruthless Fiji to a 33-19 win, despite a late Jeff Williams brace for England, who suffered a second defeat in two weeks against the Pacific Islanders.

New Zealand topped Pool B, despite suffering only an eighth defeat in 61 matches to trans-Tasman rivals Australia in their final match.

The All Blacks Sevens earlier beat Portugal 26-7 having scored six unanswered tries in a convincing 38-0 win over Scotland.

The Scots defeated Portugal 17-12 and Australia 17-14 to set up their encounter with South Africa, who dominated Pool C.

Japanese fans had plenty to cheer at the HSBC Sevens World Series event in Tokyo as their side reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 15 years ©World RugbyJapanese fans had plenty to cheer at the HSBC Sevens World Series event in Tokyo as their side reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 15 years ©World Rugby

The Blitzbokke proved too strong for their opponents, scoring four unanswered tries in their 26-0 win against Kenya, while also accounting for Canada 29-7 and the United States 24-15.

Despite losses to South Africa and the US, Canada moved though to the quarter-finals, courtesy of a better points differential, after defeating Kenya 26-10 in their final pool match. 

The quarter-finals are scheduled to take place tomorrow, followed by the semi-finals and final.

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