Fiji had stormed into a 25-3 lead with three tries in the space of 12 first-half minutes, from Gloucester’s Akapusi Qera, winger Vilimoni Delasau and lock Kele Leawere.

After Alix Popham touched down for a pushover try shortly before the interval, Wales produced a spirited comeback to edge ahead with further scores from Shane Williams, Gareth Thomas and Mark Jones.

Wales appeared to have the match won when Martyn Williams picked off a pass from Nicky Little and raced clear to score.

But Fiji refused to be beaten and a try from Semisi Naevo four minutes from time sealed the islanders a quarter-final tie against South Africa.