Ngarohi McGarvey-Black of New Zealand against Uruguay during the Rugby SVNS Series at HBF Park in Perth. Photo: Photosport
It's not been a very happy new year for the All Black Sevens, whose stock continues to plummet.
Following a historic loss to Uruguay on day one, the damage was too much for the All Blacks who were eliminated from quarter-final contention in Perth.
With a sixth-placed finish in Cape Town late last year, hopes of a revival have been quickly quashed.
After the 17-12 loss to the South Americans, New Zealand bounced back with a 29-14 win over Kenya, leaving them in a must-win showdown against old rivals Fiji in their final pool match.
Looking sharp early on, the Fijians swooped on a stray pass by the Kiwis who were hot on attack, Iowane Teba streaking away to score under the sticks.
One of the few veterans remaining for New Zealand, Andrew Knewstubb struck back to make it 7-5, but it would be the last time the All Blacks crossed the white line.
Fiji ran riot to register a 33-5 win and progress, leaving New Zealand needing other results to go their way, which they didn't.
The final try summed up New Zealand's woes as Terio Veilawa steamrolled some feeble defence and swan-dived over in front of his adoring fans.
Both Fiji and Uruguay advance to the final eight alongside Spain, Argentina, Great Britain, South Africa, France and hosts Australia.
Tomasi Cama's men will play Ireland in the semi-final for ninth place.
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