A hard-fought 17-14 win over New Zealand put England Women Sevens through to the semi-finals in Amsterdam and kept alive their hopes of automatic Olympic qualification.
Simon Middleton's side started day one with two comprehensive victories over China and Russia, but faced the Black Ferns in their first knockout assignment after going down 24-7 to Australia in the pool-stage decider.
England had not beaten New Zealand over the course of the entire World Sevens Series campaign. Unperturbed though, they went into a 5-0 lead when Amy Wilson-Hardy dotted down in the early stages.
Crowned Series champions following their first win yesterday, the Black Ferns hit back to equalise as Kayla McAlister stepped through the defence and sprinted home from 50 metres.
The conversion from Selica Winiata made it 7-5, but Natasha Hunt put England ahead 10-5 win another try on the stroke of half-time.
That did not stop the topsy-turvy scoring pattern though, and Sarah Goss gave New Zealand the lead once more.
However, England retained their composure and kept possession for Emily Scarratt to secure the win with three minutes on the clock.
A rematch with Australia at 12.56pm BST awaits in the last four and England must finish above both USA and France to secure automatic qualification for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics on behalf of Great Britain.
England Women Sevens squad
Rachael Burford (Thurrock)
Abigail Chamberlain (Richmond, captain)
Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Marlie Packer (Wasps)
Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
Joanne Watmore (Richmond)
Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol)
Kay Wilson (Thurrock)
Sarah McKenna (Saracens)
Claire Allan (Richmond)
