Fiji have crashed to an early exit from the Las Vegas Sevens while Samoa are already assured of their best result of the season.
Fiji began the tournament with comfortable wins over Scotland (36-12) and Wales (33-14) on day one but were stunned 26-15 by Australia in their final pool match to set up a blockbuster quarter final against series leaders New Zealand.
The All Blacks Sevens opened the scoring in the third minute but a brace to Jerry Tuwai gave Fiji a 14-5 advantage with five minutes remaining.
Sione Molia's second try cut the deficit to two points before Kurt Baker scored the match-winner to consign Fiji to a second straight defeat against New Zealand and back to back defeats in Las Vegas.
Kurt Baker celebrates the winning try against Fiji. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Meanwhile Samoa rebounded from a 33-0 thrashing by the All Blacks Sevens in their opening pool match by beating Spain (26-21) and Canada (26-19) to reach the Cup quarter finals for only the second time in five tournaments this season.
The Manu 7s then pipped Australia 21-20 to reach the Cup semi finals for the first time since winning the Paris tournament in May 2016.
Samoa players celebrates the Cup quarter final win against Australia in Las Vegas. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Samoa will face Argentina, who beat England 26-21, for a berth in the Cup final, with the winner to face either New Zealand or hosts the USA.
Fiji will face World Series champions South Africa in the fifth place semi finals on Monday morning.
