The Blitzboks were dethroned as Paris champions after losing 33-7 to New Zealand in the cup semi-finals on Sunday. DYLAN JACK reports.

Minutes after losing their series title to Fiji, the Blitzboks were well beaten in the playoffs by New Zealand, who dominated the breakdown and contact zone throughout the match.

The Blitzboks will next play a rather dead-rubber bronze final against the USA at 6:08pm.

New Zealand drew first blood when they exploited an overlap to put Regan Ware away for a converted try.

While the Blitzboks tried to work the ball forward, they were well contained by the physical New Zealanders, who doubled their lead when Ware went over for his second.

The South Africans did not help themselves with poor discipline at key moments in their attack. It got worse as New Zealand made it 21-0 at half-time through Jona Nareki.

The Blitzboks picked their heads up in the second half. Cecil Afrika went over the line after breaking through out wide.

However, that was rendered meaningless as Andrew Knewstubb reached over to restore the 21-point lead with just two minutes remaining.

Amanaki Nicole added a further try in the final minute to seal the result.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images