After a perfect day one, Australia have produced a sloppy performance in the cup quarterfinals to lose 26-17 to New Zealand at the Cape Town Sevens.

John Porch’s botched opening kickoff set the tone for an untidy Australian effort, as the Kiwis punished them in clinical fashion.

Amanaki Nicole scored a hat trick for New Zealand, who won the opening World Series tournament in Dubai last weekend.

Chiefs teenager Etene Nanai-Seturo was the Kiwis’ other tryscorer, dusting Maurice Longbottom with some razor sharp footwork.

Longbottom scored a runaway try himself, while last year’s breakout star Ben O’Donnell and former Rebels man Henry Hutchison were the other Australians to dot down.

The Aussies also suffered an injury setback, with Boyd Killingworth having to be helped from the field with what appeared to be an ankle issue.

Fiji smoked surprise packets Spain 46-7, South Africa edged Scotland 21-12 and the United States beat England 19-12 in the other quarterfinals.

South Africa will play Fiji in the first cup semifinal at 1.34am on Monday (AEDT) with New Zealand taking on the United States in the second at 1.56am.

The final kicks off at 4.44am.

Australia had performed strongly on the opening day, beating Wales 21-14, Scotland 26-14 and Canada 29-15.

Time Walsh’s side will play England in a fifth place playoff at 1.12am.