Australia’s rugby sevens team have kicked off their home world series tournament with a 24-7 win over Portugal at the Sydney 7s.

Game-breaker Cameron Clark scored the opening two tries for a 14-0 halftime lead before sealing the match against the rank underdogs with his third before fulltime at Allianz Stadium.

Australia will have a tougher challenge in their second pool match against Canada who gave New Zealand a scare by leading 12-5 before halftime before wilting after the break to lose 27-12.

World series leaders South Africa were the most impressive of first-match performers by blowing away Scotland 31-7 but suffered a major blow by losing captain Philip Snyman and Kwagga Smith to injuries.

Defending world series champions Fiji flexing their muscles against Samoa, thumping their Pacific Island rivals 31-0.