Blitzboks slip up against Kiwis

The Blitzboks' valiant efforts in the rain-drenched Cup final of the Wellington Sevens were in vain as New Zealand won 21-0.

Tim Mikkelson scored the opening try after an unusual kicking duel between the two sides. Mikkelson was almost in for a second but an incredible tackle from Werner Kok prevented the score.

Sherwin Stowers added to the scoreline with a powerful side-step through the Blitzboks' defence to slide over and shortly after Stowers added another, thanks to some great support play to make it 21-0 at half-time.

The wet conditions weren't conducive to the Blitzboks' style of play, and a horde of unforced errors gave New Zealand enough opportunities to close out the game.

As for the other tiers of the competition, Australia won the Plate final, Kenya defeated Scotland to win the Bowl, and the United States won the Shield.

Earlier, Sampie Mastriet and Cecil Afrika scored brilliant tries that put the Blitzboks ahead 10-0 at half-time of their Cup semi-final against Fiji. Despite Fiji's attempt to come back, South Africa's defence held firm until the final whistle.

Only two tries separated the Blitzboks and Australia in their quarter-final, and they came courtesy of Afrika and Kok.

Day one wrap

All fixtures and results

Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images