RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Fiji and New Zealand had been hoping to play off for the gold medal in rugby's return to the Olympics.
Instead, they'll meet in the quarterfinals after a tumultuous group stage left playoff places hinging on the last group match between world series champion Fiji and the United States. The Americans needed a win, a draw or a loss by fewer than five points against Fiji on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals at the expense of New Zealand, but missed out by one kick.
Japan was the unlikely quarterfinalist in the mix, but has shown they can beat any team after a stunning 14-12 win over 12-time world series champion New Zealand to open the tournament.