The Vodafone Fiji 7s team topped Pool C but were almost tripped up by a fierce performance from Wales in their first match on day two.
Having lost to the Welsh in Sydney earlier in the series (which broke Wales’ 14-match losing streak against the Pacific islanders), Fiji were aware of the threat and Luke Morgan was on song scoring twice in the first half to give his side a 10-5 lead at half-time.
Vatemo Ravouvou scored early in the second half to put Fiji ahead 12-10 after his conversion also landed, but Morgan tipped the game back in favour of Wales.
A late try from Amenoni Nasilasila brought the scores level, making it a thrilling 17-17 scoreline.
Gareth Baber’s side faced a strong New Zealand outfit in their second pool match, a side who had beaten Japan 40-14 earlier in the day to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Despite a barnstorming try from New Zealand debutant Joey Ravouvou, it was his namesake Vatemo who clinched the winning try for Fiji and put a 17-14 win on the board.
Both Fiji and New Zealand are through to today’s cup quarterfinals.
Fiji will face Canada while New Zealand have a tough task facing South Africa.