Qualifying depended either on beating Fiji and thus finishing top of their group or being one of the two best second-placed sides from the pool matches.
In the event Wales put up a strong showing against Fiji with superb defence but with such talented athletes at William Ryder, the Fijians ran in three unconverted tries to take the tie 15-0.
“We performed well against Fiji and the way we played shows that we’re making progress” said Wales Sevens Coach Gareth Baber, adding: “We’re holding out longer against teams in the top four. There’s great character in this squad.”
Skipper Jon Edwards believes Wales came close against Fiji. He said: “We had one or two opportunities but we failed to deliver. But we’re to be playing against these top teams and learning from the experience. What pleased me was that we worked hard in defence.”
Wales’s fate depended on the outcome of other ties and notably the South Africa v Argentina match, won in the last second by the Springboks. That then left Argentina with a lesser points difference than Wales and when when New Zealand swept past USA it was confirmed that Wales would be in the Cup.
Wales Sevens (v Fiji): Lee Williams, Gareth Owen, Alec Jenkins, Aled Brew, James Merriman, Jon Edwards, Lee Beach.
Replacements: Richard Pugh, Tom Riley, James Lewis
