DAY 1: Series co-leaders New Zealand win, US upset at LV Sevens

Las Vegas, NV — Series co-leaders New Zealand won their opening matches at the men’s USA Sevens while the host Americans had a last-minute upset loss to Argentina after winning their opening match.

Regan Ware scored early tries a minute apart to lead New Zealand past Samoa 33-0 in its opening game, while Carlin Isles scored twice in the first 10 minutes to lead the U.S. past Kenya 26-10 in the host team’s opener at Sam Boyd Stadium.

New Zealand later beat Canada 33-19 but Argentina defeated the Americans, who are tied for the series lead with New Zealand, 26-24, on a late try and conversion after the siren had sounded.

Fiji, in third place in the overall standings, also won both its opening matches, beating Scotland 36-12 and Wales 33-14.

Australia also won its opening two games to qualify for the quarterfinals, defeating Wales 26-0 and Scotland 24-12. Australia plays Fiji in a final pool match on Saturday.

“We played really well in that first game and I felt that we continued that momentum on,” Australia coach Tim Walsh said. “I thought our defense and that ruck work were probably a highlight. We managed to build a few phases in attack which is always nice and we’re doing the simple things well.”

England was also 2-0 after the first day, beating Chile 22-0 and Japan 31-12.

New Zealand and the U.S. are tied atop the overall standings with 76 points each, with Fiji in third with 72.

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