Varndell gives holders England the edge

Dubai: Wheels. Gas. Lightning. Toe. Whatever word you choose there's no doubt that Tom Varndell has it in abundance and could be the man to give England a decisive edge in the fight to retain their Emirates International Trophy at the Dubai Sevens.

The young Leicester winger flicked on the turbocharger in devastating style in his side's final group game against Australia to claim two decisive long-range first-half tries and then created what was effectively the match-deciding score for skipper Simon Amor to round off an eye-catching solo display.

It was impressive stuff, England stepping up the pace after barely having to get out of first gear in earlier games against Kenya and Uganda to book a quarterfinal today against Argentina.

And despite New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa more on them later also ending the day with unbeaten records, it is England who go into the business end of proceedings as the clear favourites to take the ultimate prize.

Coach Mike Friday admitted: "It's been a good day for us. I'm very pleased with the progress we made today but a tournament is not won on day one. We have to come back tomorrow, step up and improve."

New Zealand had to show plenty of patience in their opening game before overcoming Canada and then easily defeated the Arabian Gulf and France to book a quarterfinals berth against Fiji, who paid the price for a rare defeat against Samoa.

The hero for the men in blue was Mikaele Pesamino, who claimed a hat-trick of tries in a surprisingly comfortable 26-7 victory, the second coming gift wrapped via a loose Waisale Serevi pass close to his line on the stroke of half time.

But, like England, Samoa are refusing to get carried away, safe in the knowledge that today is another tournament in itself.

Coach Pickie Tafua declined to give a TV interview after the Fiji win, preferring to maintain Samoa's low profile but he did admit: "I think we can win this tournament. I trust my boys to do the job."

South Africa, meanwhile, had to battle hard on the opening day for their three wins. The Springboks were flattered by a 21-7 scoreline against Scotland while Argentina's young side provided stiff resistance later on, but Paul Treu's side are more than capable of moving up several gears today.

It was another tough opening day for the Arabian Gulf who, for seven minutes at least, were in dreamland in their first match of the day, against France.

Hurricanes winger James Tometzki marked his full IRB debut with two long runs to twice give the Gulf the lead in the first half before France managed to get a grip on proceedings and take charge.

New Zealand cruised to a 60-0 win over the local heroes who then went down 38-5 to Canada although Jonny Blackburn rounded off a brave performance with a try at the very end.

The Exiles hooker was coughing up blood after taking a big hit in an earlier match but battled on for the rest of the day and was rewarded with a try he will not forget in a hurry.