Hosts New Zealand began the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series event in Hamilton with two victories ©Getty Images

Hosts New Zealand began the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series event in Hamilton with two victories. 

New Zealand are seeking a third consecutive Series win this season, beginning their campaign with a 40-7 victory against invitational side China at FMG Stadium. 

China still had something to celebrate, however, managing to record their first try against New Zealand in nine meetings. 

The Black Ferns then went on to defeat England by the same score, putting themselves firmly on top of Pool A. 

Fiji are second on four points, surpassing England 26-19 but suffering a shock 17-12 loss to China. 

In Pool B, Olympic champions Australia and the United States both went undefeated. 

Australia defeated Brazil in Pool B at the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Hamilton ©Getty Images
Australia defeated Brazil in Pool B at the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Hamilton ©Getty Images

Australia recorded a 24-14 win against Brazil and eased past Russia 40-12, while the US triumphed 34-7 and 19-12 against the same two teams. 

France overcame Spain 31-7 in Pool C before beating Ireland 35-7. 

Canada also claimed victories in both their matches, winning 24-7 against Ireland and 35-5 over Spain. 

Final pool positions are set to be decided tomorrow, when England take on China and New Zealand come up against Fiji in Pool A. 

Russia play Brazil and Australia meet the US in Pool B, while Spain battle Ireland and Canada face France in Pool C. 

These matches will be followed by the play-offs, semi-finals and gold-medal match.