Table-topping New Zealand edged Canada 22-17 in a cliffhanger to reach the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Sevens as group winners on Saturday.
South Africa, two points behind the All Blacks Sevens with four rounds remaining and looking to reach their fifth successive final, kept pace with a perfect three wins of their own, capped by a commanding 28-12 victory over Argentina.
Defending series champions New Zealand, wearing black armbands in memory of recently deceased former All Blacks captain Frank Oliver, crushed Wales 43-5 thanks to a hat-trick of Tim Mikkelson tries before bulldozing Portugal 40-7.
But after Canadian captain John Moonlight had crashed over for his third try of a pulsating evening clash, Bryce Heem came to New Zealand’s rescue, touching down in the corner after the final buzzer for his second try of the match.
New Zealand, who face Australia in the last eight after topping group A, raised their game after a half-time rocket from coach Gordon Tietjens as the 11-times world series champions side trailed 12-5.
South Africa coach Neil Powell admitted the “Blitzbokke” will also have to step up a gear when they face surprise package the United States in Sunday’s quarter-finals.