The South Sea Drifters made up of members of the Fiji 7s team have failed to defend the Gold Coast 7s title as they bowed out in the pool games.

Although the Iliesa Tanivula coached side started well with a 29-0 win against the Australia Legends and defeated Gold Coast 21-7, they lost to NZ's Taranaki 14-7 and Samoa Barbarians 22-7.

The Samoan side was their biggest threat in the pool games with a team that is made up of players who played in the IRB 7s series this season.

But the Taranaki side managed to cross the Drifters try-line twice to win in a close game.

The only Fiji side which is now in the quarter finals is the Davetalevu club from Nadroga who will play against the Emerging New Zealand, a team coached by Gordon Tietjens.

Davetalevu finished second behind Aussie Thunderbolts in their pool.

The quarter finals will start 1.30pm.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi