England’s quest for gold is over after they were beaten 33-12 by New Zealand in the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games Sevens.

The result sends Ben Ryan’s men into a bronze medal play-off with South Africa while triple gold medallists New Zealand march on to face Australia in the final.

England had squeezed past current world champions Samoa 7-5 in the quarter-finals but never got out of first gear against the Kiwis despite their two well-crafted second half scores.

DJ Forbes scored twice and Tomasi Cama once to leave England trailing 19-0 early in the second half.

They responded with one brilliant long-range score from Isoa Damudamu – Ben Gollings and Chris Cracknell involved in the break-out.

But forced to chance their arm from deep, they conceded two more tries – to Lote Raikabula and Cama – before Dan Caprice’s late consolation.

“We came here to win the gold but we’ve got no argument with the result – we just made too many mistakes,” said head coach Ben Ryan.

“I’m still very proud and I believe we’ve got a very exciting side. The important thing now is that we get off the floor and work hard in the bronze medal match.” 

Australia – beaten by England in yesterday’s pool stages – take on New Zealand after overpowering South Africa 17-5. 

Elsewhere Scotland take on Samoa in the plate final after Lee Jones’ extra time try saw them beat Kenya 22-17. Wales bowed out after their 38-12 defeat against Samoa.