Australia’s run of Cup semi finals is over, with the Men’s Sevens relegated into the Plate competition after an agonising 19-14 loss to Fiji.
The men in green and gold led when the final hooter sounded but the Fijians ran in a try beyond the death to push them into the Plate competition.
The Aussies raced out to a 14-5 half-time lead, before their scoreless second half ultimately proved decisive.
Australia will play its first plate semi-final since January’s Wellington Sevens, when it takes on fellow heavyweights New Zealand later on Sunday.
The Kiwis were also stunned in Singapore, going down to South Africa in their final eight clash, leaving the trans-Tasman rivals to do battle.
Australia battled hard to attempt to overcome Fiji but the absence of a swathe of tars meant it was always going to be an uphill challenge.
Sam Figg and James Stannard crossed for Australia in the match, as they vied for a final four spot in Singapore.
Kitione Taliga had a brace for Fiiji, continuing his recent run of strong form against the Aussies as they set up a clash with South Africa in the Cup semifinal.
The Singapore tournament is the third-last in the season, with London and Paris to come in May, before August’s Rio Olympics.
Australia is missing 10 of its current squad through injury, while captain Ed Jenkins was among those rested for the Singapore leg of the series.
Australia will face New Zealand in its plate semi-final at 5:44pm AEST LIVE on FOXSPORTS red button.
