HONG KONG, 27 March 2004 — England launched their quest for a hat trick of Hong Kong Sevens crowns by overpowering China here yesterday as their main title rivals New Zealand romped past Japan.

The winners of the world-famous tournament for the past two years struggled in a tight first half but finally pulled away after the interval to run out 49-0 winners, outscoring the Chinese by seven tries to nil.

England coach Joe Lydon admitted there was plenty of room for improvement following his side’s opening Pool B match at a rain-swept Hong Kong Stadium.

England, who have been denied the services of star playmaker Henry Paul in an ugly club versus country row, face further first-round matches today against Six Nations rivals Scotland and minnows Georgia.

New Zealand, who have won the Hong Kong Sevens nine times, had no difficulty in swatting aside Japan 48-0 in their opening Pool A match, Sosene Anesi bagging two of his team’s eight tries.

Kiwi coach Gordon Tietjens was pleased with the way his side dealt with a wet playing surface and slippery ball.

The New Zealanders took the precaution of resting evergreen sevens specialist Eric Rush, the remarkable 39-year-old who is playing in Hong Kong for the 15th time.

The 24-team Hong Kong Sevens is the fifth leg of the 2004 International Rugby Board world series. New Zealand currently lead the overall standings ahead of England in second.

Other early matches yesterday saw the form book hold sway, with 10-time champions Fiji seeing off Portugal 35-0 in Pool D and South Africa outclassing Thailand 63-0 in Pool C. Argentina, one of the tournament dark horses after their surprise victory in the Los Angeles sevens in February, demolished Singapore in Pool E, with 1993 Hong Kong champions Samoa defeating Taiwan 38-0 in Pool F.

In later matches, France were forced to work hard for a 19-7 Pool E win over South Korea, while Australia had too much experience for Namibia, winning their Pool F game 31-12.