Fiji stunned at NZ Sevens

Wellington - Sevens rugby giants Fiji were relegated to the second-tier bowl competition for the first time in their history as upsets abounded on the first day of the Sevns World Series event in Wellington, New Zealand on Friday.

The top four teams in the world standings all suffered shock losses in a day of turmoil at the fourth stop on the world circuit.

First-placed New Zealand were beaten 19-14 by England in their opening match before posting unconvincing wins over Spain and the United States to scrape into the top-tier cup quarter-finals.

But second-placed France and third-placed Fiji both failed to qualify for the cup and will play in the consolation bowl on Saturday.

Results on Friday from the Wellington Sevens, fourth round of the International Rugby Board World Series:

Pool A

England 19, New Zealand 14
Spain 10, United States 5
New Zealand 36, Spain 5
England 12, United States 12
England 28, Spain 5
New Zealand 17, United States 10

Pool B

Argentina 21, Tonga 12
Kenya 24, France 12
France 33, Tonga 7
Kenya 12, Argentina 0
Kenya 17, Tonga 10
Argentina 17, France 14

Pool C

Wales 26, Canada 17
Samoa 19, South Africa 10
Canada 26, South Africa 15
Samoa 19, Wales 12
Samoa 26, Canada 12
South Africa 21, Wales 0

Pool D

Scotland 14, Fiji 12
Australia 24, Portugal 5
Scotland 19, Portugal 7
Australia 21, Fiji 12
Australia 29, Scotland 5
Fiji 24, Portugal 7

Quarter-finals (Saturday):

England v Scotland
New Zealand v Australia
Kenya v South Africa
Argentina v Samoa