South Africa laid down an early marker with a comprehensive 10-10 win over England on Day One of the Dubai leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Other big guns to record opening wins in Round Two of the IRB series include Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Australia - with Canada's 20-0 shut-out of France the biggest upset.

In a very competitive Pool C - with features Samoa, Portugal, South Africa and England - the BlitzBokke kept their nerve despite a number of unforced errors to outscore England by three tries to two.

England were reduced to five men just before half-time, after a couple of professional fouls.

The only down side was an injury to Bok skipper Kyle Brown, who was taken to hospital with what appears to be a fractured ankle.

But the men in Green and Gold are happy with their start.

"Two years ago you wouldn't think of playing a quality team like England first on Day One," scrumhalf Paul Delport said.

". Just glad to get through it. There are 10 teams that could win a tournament and we just take it one game at a time, and any win is a win."

We bring you all the Day One drama!

Pool A:

The champions from the Gold Coast, Fiji, were made to work hard against Spain before running out 14-0 winners thanks to tries to Setefano Cakau and Maleli Belolevu Bula.

Two tries to Kenyan flyer Collins Injera saw Kenya run out winners in their opening match over a determined Scotland 12-5, after the Scots led early through a try to Michael Fedo.

Results:
Kenya 12-5 Scotland
Fiji 14-0 Spain

Pool B:

In dreadful conditions with the rain pouring down New Zealand showed their class to overcome an early Ifan Evans try for Wales to score a 14-7 victory thanks to second half tries to Tomasi Cama and Kurt Baker.

A late try to Francisco Merello saw Argentina win 17-10 in their opening game over a committed and skilful Russian team who will trouble teams later in the Tournament.

Results:
Argentina 17-10 Russia
New Zealand 14-7 Wales

Pool  C:

In the Pool of Death a gutsy England team led through a superb try to Dan Norton, but were undone by a late try to Stephan Dippenaar for the Blitzbokke to record a 19-10 victory in the match of the tournament to date.

Samoan speedster Lio Lolo then notched up a hat trick as Samoa needed a late try to see off an impressive Portugal 24-19.

Results:
Samoa 24-19 Portugal
South Africa 19-10 England

Pool D:

Heavily favoured France started very disappointingly and two tries to Nathan Hirayama spearheaded a surprise 20-0 victory to Canada in the first match of the Dubai Sevens.

In the second match a young Australian team overcame a strong start from the USA to notch up a 19-12 victory thanks to a late try from Peter Lee.

Results:
Australia 19-12 United States
France 0-20 Canada