The Blues chances of defending their Super 12 title were severely dented after the Stormers thumped them 51-23 at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday.
A six-try blitz from the South Africans in the first half sealed the fate of the home side who were punished for weak tackling and poor option taking.
Stormers number eight Adri Badenhorst and wing Tonderai Chavhanga each bagged a double in the first 40 minutes to give the visitors an unassailable 36-11 lead.
The Stormers added a further two tries in the second half, while the Blues replied with scores to Doug Howlett and Rico Gear, but they failed to grab a fourth try and vital bonus point.
The Blues head to South Africa for their next two games on 17 points, but with only three rounds remaining are unlikely to make the semifinals.
After tonight’s performance the Stormers have secured second place with 28 points.
They head to Hamilton next week to play the Chiefs.
Score: Stormers 51 (Tonderai Chavhanga 2, Adri Badenhorst 2, Neil de Kock, Werner Graff, Marius Joubert, Daan Human tries; Gaffie du Toit 4 con, dropped goal) Blues 23 (Orene Ai’i, Doug Howlett, Rico Gear tries; Carlos Spencer pen, Ben Atiga pen, con).
Halftime: 36-11 – Sapa-NZPA