Interim head coach Naca Cawanibuka described it as a "tough day at the office" while Captain Osea Kolinisau tweeted that he was "Proud of the boys. A good start to the season and we will come out stronger next week."
Fiji still had the most players named in the tournament dream team, with newcomer Setareki Bituniyata joining Kolinisau and Jerry Tuwai.
Fiji have been drawn in Pool B in Cape Town, alongside France, Kenya and Japan.
Meanwhile Samoa are a good chance to improve on their tenth place finish in Dubai after being drawn in Pool D with Wales, Scotland and Uganda.
Photo: Michael Lee / World Rugby (Fiji captain Osea Kolinsau finds space during the Dubai 7s).
Source:
Radio New Zealand