The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team have missed out on a quarter final berth at the Dubai leg of the World Series despite an improved showing in pool play.

Ana Maria Naimasi scored first in their opening match before Canada responded with six unanswered tries, including a hat-trick from Julia Greenshields, to ease to a 38-7 win.

The Fijiana 7s also opened the scoring against France, with Asinate Ufia Savu dotting down for the first ever try on the World Series in the second minute.

The 25-year-old debutante scored again in the second half and Roela Radiniyavuni also found the tryline but yellow cards to Naina Baleca and Vasiti Solikoviti proved costly as Les Bleus eventually prevailed 29-15.

Savu, Naimasi and Radiniyavuni all scored again as Fiji beat Spain 17-5 in their final group match to avenge their defeat in last month’s opening leg in

However Fiji were denied a place in the quarter finals on points differential, with Russia and defending World Series champions Australia finishing as the top two third placed teams.

The Aussies had a disappointed start when they lost to England 26-10 and USA 22-17 but came back to beat China 33-5.

New Zealand, England and Canada topped the three pools and will face Russia, Australia and Ireland in the last eight, with the USA taking on France in the other match.

The Fijiana will play China in the Challenge Trophy semi-finals, who they beat at the same stage in the opening round.

– Edited by  Osea Bola

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