Wales may be out of contention for any silverware but Pugh’s side could have an impact on the final outcome when it comes to deciding this season’s champions.
An enthralling end in Los Angeles awaits as four teams enter the final day of action with a chance of becoming Series champions.
Current leaders South Africa failed to reach the quarter-finals following agonising defeats against hosts USA and New Zealand on day one, meaning title rivals Australia, Argentina and Fiji could overtake them and snatch the Series honours with gold in Los Angeles.
Australia and Argentina will be aiming to make history, having never won the Series before. While both South Africa and Fiji will be hoping to claim their fifth Series title.
Richie Pugh’s side were unable to win any of their Pool C encounters against Fiji, Ireland and France on day one at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Wales were still in the contest at halftime in each of the games they played but they were unable to maintain their momentum for the second stanzas.
Luke Treharne set the captain’s example by scoring in all three games but ultimately it wasn’t enough as Wales were left frustrated thinking about what could have been.
In the opening game against Fiji, Wales were patient with the ball in hand and actually pressured their opposition into uncommon mistakes. Morgan Williams jinked his way over close to the posts to leave Fiji leading 14-7 at the break. And when Treharne scooted over to peg the score back to within two points after a sublime pass from Callum Williams an upset looked possible but two further tries by the south sea islanders put the game to bed.
The second game saw a similar pattern where Wales were still in the game at the break, but fell away in the second spell.
Treharne and Lloyd Lewis scored first half tries to restrict the deficit to 17-12 but Ireland turned on the afterburners to record a handsome 46-12 win.
In the final pool game Wales trailed 14-5 at the break against France with Morgan Sieniawski scoring for Wales in the first half. Treharne got on the score sheet again but Nelson Epee and Tavite Veredamu ensured there would be no fairy tale finish for Wales as France recorded a 26-12 triumph.
