Quarter finals

The Blitzboks join England, Fiji and New Zealand as unbeaten sides heading into the last eight after a first day full of top quality rugby under the Dubai sun.

Neil Powell's South Africa are on track to defend their title in Dubai and will face Samoa in the Cup quarter-finals. Fiji, 2015 winners in Dubai, will face Scotland while New Zealand play Kenya. England, series runners-up in 2016-17 face off against Australia.

Coles will come from the bench in his first match in four months, having suffered lingering concussion symptoms since copping a head knock against the Highlanders in round four.

That is a significant inclusion for the Canes but getting their star flyhalf back is of utmost importance.

Barrett missed the win against the Crusaders due to a sinus infection so to have him fit and firing come Friday night is a major boost for Hurricanes fans.

There is still no Vince Aso on the team sheet, which means Jordie Barrett will stay at outside centre.

The Pacific nation, winners of the Hong Kong Sevens last weekend, booked their place in the last eight by topping Pool A with a 100 per cent record.

Fiji began by thrashing Hong Kong 52-0, before they swept aside Russia 38-7 and Canada 35-7 to complete an ominous start to the tournament at the National Stadium.

New Zealand also progressed with three straight victories as they clinched top spot in Pool D.

The All Blacks Sevens were pushed all the way by Scotland in their group opener as they battled to a narrow 22-21 win.