This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
Fiji, the reigning world champions, started their title defence on a positive note with a 24-17 victory over Japan in the Dubai Sevens tournament on December 5, 2019.
Captain Jerry Tuwai, a gold medallist in Rio 2016, scored one of four tries for the Flying Fijians, who edged past the US to claim their fourth global crown in June.
Elsewhere, the US team, led by Mike Friday, beat Ireland 24-19, while Ireland has been promoted as a core team for the season's circuit.
New Zealand, winners in Dubai last December, dominated Wales 36-7, with Tone Ng Shiu, Kurt Baker, and Ngarohi McGarvey-Black all scoring twice.
South Africa came from behind to claim a 17-12 victory over Kenya, with Rosko Specman and Seabelo Senatla scoring in the second half after trailing by seven points at the break.
On Friday, Fiji will face Argentina and France in the quarter-finals.
In the women's tournament, New Zealand, the defending world and Dubai champions, hammered Japan 48-0, with Stacey Waaka and Huia Harding scoring two tries each.
The Black Ferns will play England and France on Friday in the second leg of the women's series.
