New Zealand remain on course to defend their Wellington Sevens title after dismantling Kenya 36-0 in the quarter-finals of the world series tournament.

The All Blacks Sevens will face England in the semi-finals later on Saturday while world series co-leaders Fiji and South Africa will square off in the other.

The most impressive display early on Sunday came from the tournament hosts, who starved Kenya of possession for 14 minutes in a dominant physical display.

Hulking forward Akira Ioane was brutish throughout, scoring the first try after two minutes and playing a part in most of the other five through his wrecking ball runs.

New Zealand led 24-0 at halftime and crossed twice more after the break, including a second to veteran captain Tim Mikkelson, who extended his record for the most tries for his country to 163.

Sonny Bill Williams, who played a central role in their dramatic pool win over South Africa on Saturday, came on for the last four minutes but was relatively subdued.

New Zealand are seeking a fifth Wellington title in the last six years, and their ninth in total.

Two-time winners England were almost as dominant in a 33-7 quarter-final trouncing of Argentina, with speedsters Tom Mitchell and Alex Davis both crossing twice.

South Africa trailed previously-unbeaten Australia 7-5 early on but tries either side of halftime to flying wing Seabelo Senatla pushed them clear to win 26-14.

They face a daunting semi-final against Fiji, who were barely tested on Saturday but conceded an early try to United States speed machine Carlin Isles.

The world series defending champions regrouped with three consummate team tries in a 21-12 win.