Kenya stunned New Zealand 24-7 for the first time in 14 matches to join the Kiwis in the quarterfinals of the United States Sevens on Saturday.

Kenya had surprisingly lost its first pool game to Uruguay, but bounced back to down France 33-0 then the defending champion to top Pool B.

Tries by captain Humphrey Kayange and Brian Nyikuli gave Kenya a 14-7 lead over New Zealand by the break, and two more tries by Victor Oduor completed the milestone win.

"What a day. We like doing it the hard way and really responded well in the last two games," Kayange said.

Uruguay had beaten Kenya 14-12 but lost heavily to New Zealand and France. France was tied with New Zealand at halftime but the latter pulled away to triumph 22-12.

In the quarterfinals on Sunday, Kenya will play the United States, New Zealand faces world series leader South Africa, Fiji meets England, and Samoa tackles Argentina.

South Africa won Pool A unbeaten, but needed a last-minute try from Howard Noble to win 15-14 and prevent a first loss to the US.

Still, the Americans advanced thanks to wins over Australia (17-12) and Canada (35-7).

Unbeaten Samoa downed England 15-12 to rebound from not making the quarterfinals last week at the New Zealand Sevens.

England, which won the New Zealand title, beat Scotland and Japan to advance in second place from Pool C.

Fiji headed off Argentina 19-12 to top Pool D. Both sides cruised in wins over Wales and Mexico.

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