Kenya and Zimbabwe signalled their intention to secure two of the three remaining places available at RWC Sevens 2009 in Dubai by ending day one of the Africa men's qualifier in Tunisia with unbeaten records.
Top seeds Kenya, the only 'core' team of the IRB Sevens World Series from the Africa region needing to qualify, beat the Tunisia second team 45-5 in the opening Pool A match and then defeated Namibia 31-14.
Their most impressive performance, though, came against fourth seeds Uganda in their final match on day one in the Tunisian capital with an emphatic 31-0 victory. Only Senegal on Saturday stand between them and top spot in Pool A.
The defeat leaves Uganda needing to beat Namibia to keep alive their own hopes of joining their women's team on the plane to Dubai for the RWC Sevens 2009, which takes place at 'The Sevens' from 5-7 March.
The last match on the opening day brought together hosts Tunisia and Zimbabwe, the second and third seeds who were both unbeaten at that stage, Tunisia not conceding a point in beating Botswana 26-0 and Madagascar 19-0.
Zimbabwe had been equally impressive in beating Zambia 14-0 and Botswana 28-7, seemingly paving the way for a tight battle which would determine who would ultimately finish on top of Pool B.
However with Tunisia missing some of their experienced Sevens players, it was Zimbabwe who overwhelmed their hosts with their skills and determined defence to triumph 31-0.
Intense competition
There was also cause for Zambia to celebrate on day one as they bounced back well from an opening loss to Zimbabwe to record a narrow 21-20 victory over Madagascar.
"Today's games have given a good indication of the intense competition that we can expect tomorrow. Madagascar - arriving late last night - gave their hosts Tunisia and third seeds Zimbabwe strong opposition. Botswana, also in Pool B, made their opponents work for their wins," said RWC Sevens Tournament Director Beth Coalter.
"Although Pool A may be the easier of the two pools with Kenya continuing to dominate, the battle for second place will be hard fought tomorrow between Uganda and Namibia.
"Tunisia, without the benefit of their more experienced Sevens players, were overwhelmed at the end of the day by Zimbabwe's deft handling skills and passionate defence.
"It is a fitting end to the eight RWC Sevens Qualifiers that have been taking place around the world since January."
The pool action concludes on Saturday, followed by the Plate and Cup semi finals with the two finalists and winner of the third place playoff confirming their places in the 24-team men's competition at RWC Sevens 2009.
Pools, results and match schedule
Pool A
Kenya
Uganda
Tunisia B
Namibia
Senegal
Pool B
Tunisia
Zimbabwe
Madagascar
Zambia
Botswana
Day one results
10:00 A - Kenya 45-5 Tunisia 2
10:20 B - Tunisia 26-0 Botswana
10:40 A - Uganda 38-0 Senegal
11:00 B - Zimbabwe 14-0 Zambia
11:20 A - Kenya 31-14 Namibia
11:40 B - Tunisia 19-0 Madagascar
14:00 A - Uganda 26-17 Tunisia 2
14:20 B - Zimbabwe 28-7 Botswana
14:40 A - Namibia 26-5 Senegal
15:00 B - Madagascar 20-21 Zambia
15:20 A - Kenya 31-0 Uganda
15:40 B - Tunisia 0-31 Zimbabwe
Day two fixtures
09:40 A - Senegal v Tunisia 2
10:00 B - Zambia v Botswana
10:20 A - Uganda v Namibia
10:40 B - Zimbabwe v Madagascar
11:00 A - Kenya v Senegal
11:20 B - Tunisia v Zambia
11:40 A - Namibia v Tunisia 2
12:00 B - Madagascar v Botswana
14:00 Plate semi final - 3rd Pool A v 4th Pool B
14:20 Plate semi final - 3rd Pool B v 4th Pool A
14:40 Cup semi final - 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool B
15:00 Cup semi final - 1st Pool B v 2nd Pool A
15:20 Ninth place playoff - 5th Pool A v 5th Pool B
15:40 Plate final -
16:00 Third place playoff
16:20 FINAL
