New Zealand remain on target to win the Las Vegas leg of the sevens rugby world series for the first time after thumping England 24-7 in the quarter-finals.

Following a tight 12-7 defeat of Fiji in their last pool match on Sunday (NZT), the New Zealanders were too classy for England, setting up a semi-final against surprise packets Canada on the third and final day on Monday.

New Zealand have failed to win in the five tournaments at Las Vegas since it was switched from San Diego.

To do so, the series leaders will have to first overcome Canada, who stunned Kenya 17-15 in pool play and France 17-14 in the quarter-finals.

The other semi-final pits defending champions South Africa against Samoa, who are both unbeaten.

South Africa hammered Argentina 36-0 in the quarter-finals, while Samoa needed a late converted try to defeat Australia 12-10.

Waisake Naholo – a late injury call-up for the tournament – scored a hat-trick of tries for New Zealand against England, including two as they raced 19-0 clear at halftime.

Veteran Tim Mikkelson bagged the other, while England could manage only a late consolation to Tom Powell.

Earlier, New Zealand defended strongly to consign arch rivals Fiji to the Bowl competition.

Playing with less possession, New Zealand’s first-half tries to Naholo and Gillies Kaka proved crucial.