Rugby Sevens: Black Ferns Sevens open Sydney tournament with win

Alena Saili.
Alena Saili. Photo credit: Image: Getty

The Black Ferns Sevens are on track for their fourth-straight tournament title, finishing the first day of the Sydney tournament unbeaten, claiming wins over Japan and Russia. 

The current world champions took a half to get into their work against Japan but scored four second-half tries to take the  28-0 win - Stacey Fluhler, Kelly Brazier, Michaela Blyde and Ruby Tui all crossing the chalk.

Their second game of the day was much tougher, after falling down 12-10 in the second half, they had to come from behind to beat Russia, eventually winning 22-12.

Tyla Nathan-Wong and Theresa Fitzpatrick took the Kiwis out to a 10-0 lead before the Russians hit back with two tries of their own.

But a second-half double from Shiray Kaka avoided a majr upset to keep the Ferns unbeaten. 

The Ferns - who lead the World Series standings by 12 points - have taken out the last three tournaments in Dubai, Cape Town and Hamilton. 

They take on England at 11:51am on Sunday (NZT), both sides are unbeaten so the match will be for a spot in the semi-final.