A player of Argentina and a player of New Zealand vie for the ball as they are lifted by their teammates during a Hong Kong Rugby Sevens game, April 5, 2024, in Hong Kong. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - New Zealand started its 2024 Hong Kong Rugby title defense in style as both men's and women's teams claimed consecutive victories on the opening day on Friday.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens marked its 30th anniversary at Hong Kong Stadium with 24 teams equally splitting between men's and women's areas. Twelve teams each were drawn into three pools, the top two of each pool and two best third-place finishers earn the quarterfinal spots.

New Zealand men's team started its Pool B journey with a comeback 12-7 win over Britain, recovering from a seven-point deficit at the break. Ross McCann put Britain ahead but couldn't register a point in the second half as Brady Rush and Tepaea Cook Savage both scored.

Fans cheer during a Hong Kong Rugby Sevens game, April 5, 2024, in Hong Kong. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The All Blacks continued into their crucial clash with Argentina, holding the series leaders scoreless in a 22-0 victory.

Argentina has won three tournaments in this rugby series, but they collapsed at Hong Kong Stadium with a 14-10 setback against the United States, before the defeat to New Zealand.

Meanwhile, New Zealand women's team was also flawless, having registered a 24-5 victory over Britain, followed with a 33-7 victory against Brazil.