The Australians' 12-21 loss in the opening game of Group D was decisive, as Tunisia took second spot in the group behind the undefeated New Zealand.

Australia recovered from the defeat with a 31-12 victory against Scotland, but a 14-29 loss to the Kiwis, coupled with a Tunisian win over the Scots, eliminated Australia from tournament contention.

Coach Glen Ella said he was disappointed not to have advanced further but said there was some improvement in the team since playing in Dubai last weekend.

"It would have been great to have another crack in the Cup quarter-finals but the pool matches this week were against quality outfits and we were unable to match their pace and intensity for the entire match," he said.

"The team have improved since Dubai so I'm hopeful that later in the season we can pick up some more competition points."

The Aussies will play Uganda in their opening day two match in the secondary Bowl competition.

Tunisia's reward is a quarter-final against host nation South Africa, which was in imperious form on day one, scoring 136 points in its three games.

South Africa finished the day with a 34-0 win against France, ensuring the French will meet New Zealand.

The other two quarter-finals will pit Fiji against Wales and England against Samoa.

Fiji had earlier been pushed by Canada before running out 22-14 winners, while Wales held England to a surprise 14-14 draw.

South Africa Sevens – day one results

Pool A
Fiji 22 bt Canada 14
Samoa 28 bt Zimbabwe 12
Fiji 47 bt Zimbabwe 7
Samoa 31 bt Canada 10
Canada 19 bt Zimbabwe 0
Fiji 45 bt Samoa 5

Pool B
England 14 drew Wales 14
Argentina 19 bt Portugal 12
England 58 bt Portugal 5
Wales 10 bt Argentina 7
Wales 17 bt Portugal 5
England 26 bt Argentina 7

Pool C
South Africa 45 bt Kenya 7
France 22 bt Uganda 7
South Africa 57 bt Uganda 0
France 22 bt Kenya 19
Kenya 33 bt Uganda 0
South Africa 34 bt France 0

Pool D
New Zealand 35 bt Scotland 5
Tunisia 21 bt Australia 12
New Zealand 33 bt Tunisia 0
Australia 31 bt Scotland 12
Tunisia 33 bt Scotland 14
New Zealand 29 bt Australia14

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