A strong Cardiff Blues contingent could do little to help as Wales U20s crashed to a 29-25 defeat to Scotland in the World Rugby U20s Championship.
Jason Strange’s side went into the play-off encounter on the back of consecutive victories over their Celtic rivals in 2017.
But they were caught cold in Tbilisi as Scotland made it third time lucky to set-up a fifth-pace play-off against Australia, while Wales U20s will now contest Italy for seventh.
Rhys Carre, Keiron Assiratti, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Aled Ward, Dane Blacker and Owen Lane all started the encounter at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi.
Wales soaked up plenty of early pressure but surged into the lead after Ioan Nicholas intercepted. He combined with Lane, who maintained the momentum before offloading superbly to Will Jones.
But all the hard work was undone as Scotland struck back with two tries of their own as their pack grew in dominance – Darcy Graham and Ross McCann the scorers.
Wales hit back almost immediately with fly half Arwel Robson slashing through the Scottish rear guard to send Nicholas over under the posts. Robson's conversion brought Wales to within two points of Scotland.
A defensive line-out proved Wales downfall again, as they were unable to halt the Scottish pack driving over captain Callum Hunter-Hill in what was turning out to be a try-fest.
Robson kept Wales in touch and he put them back in front with 10 minutes remaining as he squeezed in the corner for a converted try.
But with less than five minutes left on the clock Graham pounced on loose ball and eased through Wales’ trailing defenders for the winner.
Scorers:
Wales: Tries: Will Jones, Ioan Nicholas, Arwel Robson; Cons - Robson (2); Pens - Robson (2)
Scotland: Tries - Darcy Graham (2), Ross McCann, Callum Hunter-Hill; Con - Connor Eastgate (3); Pen - Eastgate