HSBC SVNS: Argentina's men set the standard on day one in Hong Kong

Meaningful pool games await on day two with quarter-final places up for grabs after a series of off-your-seat try-scoring moments at the new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.

POOL A: Flying Fijians keep pace with stylish Argentina

Argentina extended their winning run to 12 matches with another two victories on day one in Hong Kong. Los Pumas had five separate scorers in their 35-7 win over Ireland - Marcos Moneta down the wing, Santiago Mare from a lineout move, Tobias Wade latching on to a grubber kick, plus Santiago Alvarez and Joaquin Pellandini scores. Their appetite to attack with different methods and from anywhere on the pitch makes them such formidable opponents.

Moneta was also the first - and second - scorer in Argentina's 52-5 victory against USA. However, while the fans enjoyed those, the sight of 6ft 6in David Still running full pelt to halve the deficit for the Eagles had the crowd on their feet. Burly Luciano Gonzalez held off a cluster of blue jerseys to pass to Alvarez who then set up Mare to score in another of the game's memorable moments.

Earlier, USA had lost 26-21 to Fiji, two tries by Lucas Lacamp cancelling efforts by Filipe Sauturaga and Jeremaia Matana to make it 14-all at half-time. An outstanding try by Joji Nasova restored Fiji's lead, one that Isikeli Basiyalo extended. Jack Wendling's late score for USA was too little, too late.

Fiji's other win on Friday was a sore one to take for Ireland who were leading 19-7 but conceded two Nasova tries in the final 90 seconds. Iowane Teba held his nerve to convert the second of those to win the match 21-19. How the Fijians in the stadium celebrated that one.

Ireland and USA have one point apiece.

POOL B: Smiling Cupido suggests he could be heart-breaker for Boks opponents

New Zealand are on maximum points after wins over Australia (21-12) and Uruguay, against whom they scored 31 unanswered points. In the game against rivals Australia, Amanaki Nicole broke the deadlock, the big man showing good feet to wrong-foot his opponent.

Fans marvelled at a ridiculous, wonderful Ngarohi McGarvey-Black no-look overhead pass to Joe Webber that eventually led to Sofai Maka establishing a 21-0 lead. But the Aussies had talent in their ranks too, with Aden Ekanayake scoring before half-time and impressing later in the day as well. Jayden Blake was Australia's other try scorer.

Australia did secure a win, however, a confidence-boosting 26-7 victory over South Africa in the day's final game. Matthew Gonzalez ran over for Australia after they had survived the sin-binning of James Turner and a try before and after half-time by Henry Paterson put them in control. Ekanayake quite brilliantly collected the high ball from kick-off to feed Josh Turner who made it 26-0 before the sevens veteran Selvyn Davids' consolation.

"To come out tonight and get the win and set up the rest of our weekend is very encouraging," a beaming Paterson said pitchside. "It was about securing possession and making South Africa work."

Despite that loss, the Blitzboks are in contention for a last-eight spot thanks to their 40-7 win over Uruguay. Perhaps the highlight of that match was Gino Cupido, a centre in XVs, coming off the bench to score on his South Africa debut. His team-mates delight was a match for the smile on Cupido's face as he headed for the try line.

POOL C: All to play for as three teams chase Great Britain

The most closely contested of the three men's pools, Great Britain sit top of the pile with two wins from two as they downed France and Kenya by the same score - 12-7.

"We’re really building now," said Luke Mehson after helping GB to the win over Kenya. "We’re looking for top four now. That’s our main goal." Mehson scored the crucial second try, his chip-and-chase a combination of vision, technique and speed.

Kenya's chances had been damaged when opening scorer Patrick Odongo Okong'o limped off early in the second period. His astonishing pace and power had helped his nation to a 19-0 win over Spain earlier in the day, a result to sully series favourite Pol Pla's 50th tournament.

Pla's men are still in the contest, though. They beat France 19-12, their first win over their rivals in 21 attempts. France were 12-0 in front from Liam Delamare's long run up the left flank and Paulin Riva's collection of a pop pass to canter over. Pla scored his first of the weekend before Anton Legorburu and Jeremy Trevithick completed the turnaround.

"We needed this win to keep the team going," said 32-year-old Pla. His team sit third in the pool, one point ahead of France. A quarter-final place could be theirs yet. They play Great Britain in Saturday's second men's match.