Rio Olympics: Japan Shock New Zealand in Massive Rugby Sevens Upset

Japan upset the odds with a thrilling upset over New Zealand in their opening match of the Olympic rugby sevens Tuesday as All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams sustained a tournament-ending Achilles tendon injury.

The Brave Blossoms' shock 14-12 victory echoed Japan's famous victory over South Africa in the 15-a-side World Cup last year, the biggest shock the sport has ever seen.

"It's unbelievable, you never see a minnow team come here and beat a team supposed to be a gold medal contender," said Japan's New Zealand-born playmaker Lomano Lemeki.

There was worse news to come for New Zealand as Williams was ruled out with a partial Achilles rupture and replaced in the 12-man squad by Sione Molia. Joe Weber was also ruled out with a shoulder injury.

New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens said his squad, who play unbeaten Britain in their final pool match on Wednesday, was "obviously depleted".

"It's devastating for Sonny to lose him so early in the tournament, and Joe Weber, both influential players as well.

"Sonny Bill's a great professional, he's very infectious, he certainly helps the younger players and has a great work ethic. It's such a shame because he's got to understand the game of sevens so well. He's absolutely shattered.

"I'd be surprised if he didn't play sevens again."

Tietjens was magnanimous in defeat, showering the Japanese with praise.

"It was disappointing, it's obviously the first time Japan have beaten us," he said.

"But that's sevens rugby, the gap has closed considerably and if you're not up for it on the day, you'll be beaten."

New Zealand rebounded to beat Kenya 28-5 in their second pool match to set up a crunch game against unbeaten Britain on Wednesday.

The British team beat Kenya 31-7 before edging Japan 21-19 to top Pool C.

"We've got a chance to get into the quarters tomorrow," Tietjens said.

Sonny Bill Williams suffered an ankle injury, ruling him out for 6-9 months.

© AFP

Fiji, South Africa also top pools

Two-time defending World Sevens Series champions Fiji and South Africa also finished unbeaten in an enthralling day of high-octane action at a packed, sun-kissed Deodoro Stadium.

Fiji saw off Brazil (40-12) and Argentina (21-14) to top Pool A, while the Blitzboks zeroed Spain (24-0) and France (26-0) to finish the day atop Pool B.

But the moment of the day belonged to Japan in their historic victory over the Kiwis.

Truya Goto squeezed past Rieko Ioane's tackle to dot down in the corner to open Japan's account.

Their lead was short-lived, however, as Gillies Kaka exchanged passes with Akira Ioane before putting in skipper Scott Curry.

Ioane crossed for New Zealand's second but Kameli Soejima scrambled over to draw the scores level, Katsuyuki Sakai's conversion pulling the Japanese two points clear for a famous win.

"As we played on, the boys started to get more confident," said Lemeki.

"New Zealand started to struggle a bit there so we thought if we keep moving the ball around the big guys would tire somewhere and they did."

Lemeki added: "We've just shown that any team can win in sevens."

Asked if he thought the Kiwis had taken the Japanese too lightly, Lemeki said: "I think they might have, but I don't think they'll be doing that again!"

Seeing Williams, a two-time World Cup winner with the All Blacks, being helped off with his injury in the second-half was a "boost", the Japanese players admitted.

"I think the Japanese boys started to smile a little bit because they wouldn't have to tackle him!" Lemeki joked.