The Rugby World Cup is over for Scotland following an embarrassing defeat to the hosts New Zealand in Whangarei.
The Black Ferns put on a professional display as Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-l’iga, Sarah Hirini, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Renee Wickliffe, and Maia Roos all crossed for them.
After the interval, Scotland got better but was unable to score.
With losses against Wales and Australia, Bryan Eason’s team is now winless.
A vibrant home crowd cheered New Zealand on as they sprinted out of the gates and scored their first try within two minutes.
After some great hands from Fitzpatrick and Hazel Tubic, Holmes ended a lengthy pressure session in the corner.
READ MORE: European champions China and Denmark will be England’s opponents in the Women’s World Cup
More deft handling and powerful carries allowed Leti-l’iga and Hirini to cross the goal line before Mikaele-Tu’u crashed to seal the extra point as Scotland seemed startled.
No breaks were taken, and the fifth attempt was their most refined. After Alana Bremner’s daring offload, Fitzpatrick managed to ground the ball while being pressured by multiple Scottish defenders.
For the sixth time, Scotland might consider themselves unlucky with Tubic’s pass to unleash. The winger jinked past two would-be tacklers to score even though Wickliffe seemed well on his way.
On the cusp of halftime, Wickliffe cruised over for her second right to cap up a one-sided first 40.
After the break, though, Scotland seemed to have changed, creating stages and asking New Zealand questions for the first time.
Shona Campbell had excellent ball-handling skills, and Scotland twice approached within a few meters of the home try line before having possession snatched away.
They also strengthened their defense by playing with the same grit and determination they showed in their first two group games.
Although Roos allowed New Zealand to cross, it needed Natalie Delamere’s outstanding offload to breach the Scottish defense.
Another magnificent play enabled Sylvia Brunt to go over Liz Musgrove and feed Holmes for New Zealand’s ninth match try, capping off a fantastic victory.