HSBC SVNS: New Zealand women clinch HSBC SVNS League title on day one in Singapore

New Zealand added the HSBC SVNS League Winners title to their Olympic crown as two wins on day one in Singapore's National Stadium made them uncatchable at the top of the table after six series events.

In the four-pool, two-day format in Singapore, only the pool winners progress to the semi-finals. Australia, Canada and France also topped their tables.

POOL A: New Zealand retain their League title

New Zealand claimed their ninth HSBC League title with a brace of wins on day one to retain the League championship they won a year ago. China were dispatched 38-0, thanks in no small part to Stacey Waaka's hat-trick. Her understanding of captain Sarah Hirini's positioning resulted in the pair combining to devastating effect.

Against Brazil, Michaela Brake also scored a treble, while Risi Pouri-Lane got a double, as New Zealand kept another clean sheet, winning 48-0.

"We are really proud of that performance," said Black Ferns Sevens skipper Hirini. "We just loving winning. We are competitive people. This one is for us and the ones back home who put us in this position."

China's 19-5 win over Brazil helped Great Britain clinch a top-eight spot for the finals in Los Angeles in May. Chen Ziying, Wang Wanyu and Chen Can scored for China, who knew ahead of kick-off in Singapore that they will be in the relegation play-offs.

POOL B: Maddison Levi fastest to 200 tries

Maddison Levi became the fastest women to score 200 tries as Australia nabbed a place in the semi-finals with a 31-0 win over Spain followed by victory over Japan 43-5.

Australia, with an average age of 21, pinned Spain back in the first half with tries from Tia Hinds, Levi and Kiiahla Duff before Levi and Ruby Nicholas extended the scoring.

In Australia's second game, Mackenzie Davis scored twice in the second half, collecting a crossfield kick and racing over the line for the first of those.

"To be able to achieve this milestone is pretty special," said Levi, having scored 200 in 26 tournaments. "I love playing rugby but when you have fans like this and can inspire the next generation, it’s pretty awesome."

Mei Ohtani and Chiaki Saegusa sent ever-improving Japan on their way to a 24-12 win against Spain in the pool's other match. Spain hit back through Alba Lisandra Martinez but Japan's offloading game made it too much for them to overhaul the lead.

POOL C: Two wins from two does it for Canada

Canada booked a semi-final place against Australia by defeating USA 31-21. Fancy Bermudez scored the opener and then, with two hands on the ball, slalomed through the navy jerseys for a second after Ariana Ramsey had levelled for the States.

Breanne Nicholas went over for another for Canada who defended bravely for a 19-7 half-time lead before seeing the game out. "That was a gritty effort by the whole team," said Nicholas. "I am so proud of everyone."

They had started their day by fighting for a 14-5 win over Great Britain. Skipper Olivia Apps was at the heart of things, adding to Carissa Norsten's opener and then making a superb try-saving tackle to deny Grace Crompton as she targeted her second score of the match.

Britain trailed USA 7-5 at half-time but won the Pool C match in dramatic fashion to help ensure they will be playing top-eight rugby in Los Angeles in May. Trailing 12-10 and with the hooter having sounded, Britain's Reneeqa Bonner ripped the ball out the ruck and ran through a gap to seal a 15-12 win. 

Bonner said of the match: "Every point matters. We are really grateful. Team cohesion is what makes us win." Britain will play Japan in a fifth-place semi-final, China and Fiji contesting the other.

POOL D: France seal last-four slot

France booked a semi spot against New Zealand with wins over Ireland and Fiji. They made hard work of quelling Ireland, with only an Oceane Buisson score on the board at half-time.

However, two moments of class made the difference. They made the most of quick ruck speed as Valentine Lothoz picked up and went over before Lou Noel took a quick-tap penalty and dummied and shimmied her way through for a 17-0 result.

In the pool decider, a hat-trick by Alycia Christiaens was crucial for France against Fiji but they had to endure a nervy finish in their 24-19 win as Michell Seruvatu and Mere Vocevoce scored late tries for Fijiana.

Fiji beat Ireland 26-12 in the opening match of the weekend and finished on four points in the table. Ireland will play Brazil in Sunday's ninth-place semi-final and Spain will take on USA.