RIO DE JANEIRO -- Japans shocking win over New Zealand and a tournament-ending injury to Sonny Bill Williams proved on the first day of Olympic mens rugby in 92 years what coaches have long been saying about the sevens format.First time Japan has ever beaten our side, but thats sevens rugby now, New Zealand coach Gordon Tiejens said. The gap has closed considerably. If youre not up for it on the day, youll get beaten by any team.World series champion Fiji, second-seeded South Africa and Britain secured quarterfinal spots and topped their pools, but nothing came easily Tuesday at Deodoro Stadium.Japans 14-12 upset against New Zealand, its first ever in rugby sevens, and its narrow 21-19 loss to Britain turned the formbook in Pool C upside down.If that wasnt enough, the Japanese went within inches of a draw with Britain, missing a chance at a late equalizer when Teruya Goto couldnt convert Lomano Lemekis last-minute try.It was heartbreaking. We wanted that goal, so for the next game wed know were going to quarterfinals, Japans Lote Tuqiri said. Now we need to step up -- its a must-win game for us against Kenya.Still, he reckoned the performances at the Olympics were worth celebrating almost as much as Japans win over South Africa last year in the traditional 15-a-side game, which ranked as the biggest upset ever at the Rugby World Cup.How Japan finished at the World Cup was really a big boost for Japan rugby and really lifted rugby in Japan, he said. Hopefully our win against New Zealand will boost it another level.New Zealand regained some confidence after its bad start with a 28-5 win over Kenya, which opened with a 31-7 loss to Britain.Tietjens said his team would miss Williams, a two-time World Cup champion with the All Blacks and the highest profile player in the tournament.For that to happen in the first game of the tournament is devastating. Hes obviously shattered and disappointed, Tietjens said. But theres a lot of character in this team, I can assure you.Fiji kicked off its bid for a first Olympic medal with a 40-12 win over host Brazil, then needed two late tries for a comeback 21-14 win over Argentina -- ensured by Jerry Tuwais desperate try-saving tackle on Axel Muller in the last seconds.The Fijians lead Pool A and the second-seeded South Africans posted 50 points without conceding any in wins over Spain and France to top Pool B.The top eight teams after three group games enter the quarterfinals. Thats the top two teams in each of the three groups, plus the next two third-place teams, so points differentials will be crucial.The U.S. men conceded a last-minute try in a 17-14 loss to Argentina in their first match and rebounded with a 26-0 win over Brazil, leaving plenty on the line Wednesday when the Americans play Fiji.In Pool B, the battle for second is between France and Australia. The French had a surprising 31-14 win over the Australians in the opening game of the tournament and then lost 26-0 to South Africa. Australia recovered from its opening loss to beat Spain 26-12, but faces South Africa next. Kansas City Royals Gear . -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees last Sunday. Kansas City Royals Shirts . Most important, perhaps, it went off without a hitch. Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short. https://www.cheaproyals.com/ . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Custom Kansas City Royals Jerseys .ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check. Stitched Royals Jerseys . -- In a span of seven Washington Redskins offensive plays, Justin Tuck sacked Robert Griffin III four times.The Los Angeles Kings have avoided arbitration with defenceman Alec Martinez. The two sides have agreed to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $1.1 million. Martinez, 25, appeared in 27 games with the Kings in 2012-13, registering one goal and four assists. He was originaally selected by the Kings in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.dddddddddddd In 142 career games with the Kings Martinez has scored 12 goals and 21 assists. Martinez played the last year of a two-year deal worth a total of $1.45 million in 2012-13. ' ' '