New Zealand thumped Taiwan 59-5, Samoa fended off Italy 40-12 and Fiji whipped Thailand 82-7 in their first and only pool matches.

Just two points separate New Zealand and Samoa atop the IRB sevens world series standings after five stops. Thirty points - the most all season - are up for grabs for the winner in Hong Kong, the biggest and third-to-last event of the season.

Eight of New Zealand's 12-man team touched down against Taiwan, while Samoa made a grand start at Italy's expense in its bid to win a third successive leg following victories in Las Vegas and Adelaide.

Fiji, the defending champion and most successful team in Hong Kong with 12 titles, ran up the second largest win in World Series history against Thailand. Setefano Cakau bagged a hat trick of tries and Waisale Beci and Niumaia Rokobuli grabbed two each.

South Africa prevailed against Zimbabwe 28-15, Wales came from behind to beat Japan 12-10, and England, winner of four straight titles from 2002-06, downed host Hong Kong 45-0.

Holding just a two-point advantage at the half, Australia survived an early scare against China to win 45-12, the United States held off Portugal 17-10, Kenya beat South Korea 51-7, Argentina overcame Russia 19-12, France beat Scotland 12-7, and Canada edged Tonga 12-10.

Teams go for higher than normal scores in Hong Kong because, apart from the pool winners, only the two best pool runners-up advance to the quarterfinals, putting a premium on points differential.