South Africa will face Australia in the quarterfinals of the Vancouver Sevens on Sunday night, after they lost their final pool match against New Zealand 33-14 in the pool of death to end second for the first time in pool play this season.
The Blitzboks, who are already depleted by injuries, also lost Cecil Afrika to a shoulder injury during the game, something which is likely to hamper their progress in keeping their lead at the top of the World Series and in defending their World Series title.
The Springbok Sevens won their first two group matches but came unstuck against old foes New Zealand.
The All Blacks scored three quick tries in the first half through Scott Curry, Dylan Collier and Ngahori McGarvey Black who all crossed the line without reply to give the New Zealanders a strong start against the Blitzboks.
Dylan Sage managed to grab one back with a power run but another try by Collier kept up the Kiwi advantage.
Kyle Brown added a late try to give the Blitzboks some hope, but that was quickly snuffed out when Luke Masiwera scored just before the end to complete a big victory for the All Blacks.
If South Africa wins against Australia they will face the winner of Fiji and Argentina in the semi-finals.
The Blitzboks were just too good for Russia winning 38-7 in their opening fixture of the Vancouver Sevens when the two sides met in the second fixture of the day.
The Blitzboks opened the scoring through Cecil Afrika, with Russia responding through a try of their own.
But the Blitzboks took a 12-7 lead into the break. Muller du Plessis also scored his first try in Blitzboks colours.
Earlier South Africa beat Scotland 21-nil in their second Pool D match.
The Blitzboks led 7-nil at half-time, with Siviwe Soyizwapi scoring the only try in the first half.
Skipper Kyle Brown added his name to the try scorer sheet in the second half.
Youngster Zain Davids completed the try scoring seconds from the final whistle.
