The Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team missed out on the Cup quarter-finals of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens for the first time in World Rugby Sevens Series history.

And Coach Gareth Baber calls for drastic improvement in discipline and defence as they defend the Cape Town Sevens next week.

The Olympics and series champions finished third in Pool A behind France and Argentina on points difference.

Baber at halftime during the pool games emphasised on the need to do it right.

“We have to watch the tackles and tackle low,” Baber said.

“We need to communicate at all times when we have and don’t have the ball.

“We have to make sure we keep communicating and keep talking on the field.

“We need to improve, win restarts and make good use of the ball.”

Fiji’s downfall was a 24-21 loss to Argentina, who capitalized on the yellow card to Vilimoni Botitu.

It was also Fiji’s first pool defeat in Dubai since England beat them back in 2010.

The three teams all won two matches and lost one to finish on seven points, but France’s points difference was one better than Argentina at +28 with Fiji’s only +14.

“We needed a win to bring about smiles on our faces. We needed this one to boost our confidence for the weekend,” Argentina captain Santiago Alvarez said.

“But what is more important is that we needed this one to convince ourselves that we can compete against the best in the world. We are ranked No. 9 and Fiji is No. 1, but our goal is to cut down and improve our rankings.”

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj