Giant–killers Japan have delivered a Rugby World Cup– scale shock to New Zealand in the Rio Olympic Sevens.

An injured Sonny Bill Williams is stretchered off during New Zealand’s loss to Japan. Photo: Getty/David Rogers

And to add to the All Blacks’ misery, star player Sonny Bill Williams is out of the tournament, carted off the field with a partially ruptured Achilles tendon.

The injury is also likely to rule him out of the Bledisloe Cup later this month.

Joe Webber also left the field with an injury to his shoulder.  Travelling reserve Sione Molia has been brought into the squad.

It was a day of shocks in the sevens, with Australia beaten first up by France, 31–14. The team recovered for its second match with against Spain, winning 26–12, but the team has also been hit with an injury blow – star playmaker Lewis Holland is out with a hamstring problem.

Down but never out, always praise to the most high for blessing me with so much! Let's go @nz7s we still in this ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/NtEpvTWfo1

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) August 9, 2016

However the day belonged to the Brave Blossoms.

Japan’s victory mirrored the rugby minnows’ upset of double champions South Africa at last year’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Japan is ranked at number 10 among the 12 teams competing in Rio.

“It was unbelievable,” Japan back Lemeki said.

“You never think you would see a minnow team come here and beat a gold medal contender. I’m still shocked to be honest.”

Although New Zealand’s confidence was dented the team went on to beat Kenya in the later match, 28–5.