Scotland 14-66 New Zealand: Black Ferns prove too good for Scots

By Stephen Bull

Scotland ………………….14pts

Tries: Gallagher 22, 33

Conversions: Nelson 23, 34

New Zealand ………………….66pts

Tries: Palu 2, Mo’onia Vaipulu 8, McGregor 27, King 30, Sae 35, 47; du Plessis 38, Sititi 42, Turner 45, Saili 83

Conversions: Sorensen-McGee 3, 30, 36, 39, 43, 46, 48; King 84

New Zealand overwhelmed Scotland with a 10-try display to secure a crushing WXV victory at Hive Stadium.

The Black Ferns followed last weekend’s 28-14 win over France by producing another ruthless attacking performance, with flanker Layla Sae scoring twice as nine different players crossed.

While they were outclassed by a strong New Zealand side, Scotland brought plenty to the contest.

Chloe Rollie claimed an intercept and streaked 60m upfield in the first half, but it was up front they looked most threatening.

Match action

Evie Gallagher was a powerhouse at No.8 as she blasted across for two tries in the first half.

Eva Donaldson was another standout performer at the breakdown where she claimed multiple turnovers.

New Zealand made their intentions clear inside two minutes when prop Mo’omo’oga Palu powered over, before lock Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu added a second after the visitors stretched Scotland’s defence.

Scotland responded through Gallagher after patient work from a five-metre lineout, Helen Nelson converting to reduce the deficit to 12-7.

But the hosts were punished almost immediately as New Zealand worked the ball across the field from a scrum and Justine McGregor finished in the corner.

Elinor-Plum King then supported Shyrah Tulia-Tua’a’s break to score New Zealand’s fourth before Scotland again threatened a fightback.

Rachel Philipps burst to within metres of the line and Gallagher was on hand to finish for her second, with Nelson’s conversion making the score 24-14.

Once again, though, the Black Ferns responded immediately.

Sae powered through two tackles before Amy du Plessis hit a superb line from Mia Anderson’s carry to give New Zealand a commanding 38-14 interval advantage.

Double top: Layla Sae scores for New Zealand
PICTURE: Getty Images

Second half

Any hope of a Scottish revival disappeared within seven minutes of the restart.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee broke clear to create space for replacement Amarante Sititi to cross before scrum-half Tara Turner darted away from the base for another converted score.

Sae then completed her double, brushing aside two tackles as New Zealand stretched their advantage to 59-14 with more than half an hour still remaining.

Scotland at least stemmed the flow thereafter, keeping their visitors scoreless for more than half an hour despite struggling to turn possession into points.

Holland Bogan provided some powerful carries and the hosts continued trying to attack, but handling errors prevented them from making further inroads.

New Zealand had the final word deep into added time when Alena Saili crossed for their 10th try, Hannah King converting to complete the 66-14 rout.

It leaves Scotland still searching for their first WXV victory following last weekend’s 64-26 defeat by Canada with another heavy loss.

Dave Butcher’s side remain at Hive Stadium to face Australia next Saturday, while New Zealand travel south for a major meeting with England.