A depleted Australia can finish fifth at best after their Sydney Sevens defence was ended by a see-saw 22-17 quarter-final loss to Fiji.
The hosts started well at Spotless Stadium, controlling possession for the first three minutes to go ahead through Maurice Longbottom’s try.
But a hamstring complaint from the playmaker forced him off and his replacement Josh Coward also limped off from the next play as Fiji immediately levelled.
Out on their feet, Australia couldn’t hold off the persistent Fiji raids and a late try gave the visitors a 10-5 halftime lead.
A yellow card to Mesulame Kunavula for throwing the ball away allowed the hosts back in it, with Jeral Skelton and Jesse Parahi crossing to create a 17-10 lead.
Kunavula returned to score immediately and level the scores, before he sealed the contest with a double in the final minute as the Fijians edged closer to three-straight world series tournament wins.
The loss ended Australia’s title defence and left them to play France, who were thrashed 28-5 in their quarter-final by New Zealand, in a classification game later on Sunday.