The trio went undefeated in the group stage to book their places into the quarter-finals at BC Place.

South Africa met Australia in the last match of the day and produced a spirited comeback to win 22-19 in the pivotal Pool C clash, which put them in pole position and left Australia to qualify as runners-up.

Fiji continued their winning form from last week's triumph in Singapore as they dispatched England, Kenya and the United States in Pool A.

England's 19-12 triumph against Kenya was enough to see them progress on points difference as tries from Dan Norton, Jamie Barden and Jamie Adamson sealed the win.

New Zealand topped the scoring charts on the opening day with 109 points following commanding victories against Samoa, Wales and Japan in Pool B.

Samoa's 26-12 result against Wales in the first match was crucial in securing their second-place finish.

In Pool D, Argentina and France began their campaigns with an enthralling 12-12 draw before both ended the day unbeaten after overcoming Ireland and Scotland in a tense group.

The Blitzboks have been drawn against Samoa in the final eight which kicks off tomorrow while Fiji meet France, Argentina play England and New Zealand and Australia will clash.

The US' Ben Broselle currently leads the impact player standings after recording three tackles, five breaks, two offloads and 13 carries for a total of 35 points.

Fiji's Kaminieli Rasaku and Nelson Épée of France make up the top three with 34 and 31 points, respectively.