Rugby World Cup Sevens: Scotland drop into Challenger event after last 16 defeat to New Zealand

Scotland’s men lost out in the round of 16 to a very impressive New Zealand side at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday.

New Zealand defeated Scotland in the last 16 of the Rugby World Cup Sevens. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images)

Ciaran Beattie’s men defeated Jamaica 24-7 in the pre-round of 16 early in the morning, but they knew their afternoon meeting with New Zealand would be a lot tougher.

New Zealand are coached by former Scotland Sevens man Clark Laidlaw, but there was no room for sentiment here from the 2001, 2013 and 2018 World Cup Sevens champions.

They led 24-0 at half-time with their tries coming from Amanaki Nicole (2), Ngarohi McGarvey-Black and Akuila Rokolisoa with the latter adding two conversions.

Lee Jones did score an unconverted try early in the second half, but tries from Rokolisoa, Lewis Ormond and Caleb Tangitau saw New Zealand through 43-5.

Earlier in the day in versus Jamaica, skipper Jamie Farndale got Scotland off to a flying start with an unconverted try.

However, Jamaica showed that it was not going to be one way traffic when they scored through Cameron Melville. The try was converted by Rhodri Adamson and they were ahead.

Before the interval Scotland upped their game to bag tries through Femi Sofolarin and Kaleem Barreto. Matt Davidson converted both and it was 19-7.

Just one unconverted try came in the second half, Farndale going over for his second five pointer, as his team won.

Scotland will now play in the Challenge event last eight against Kenya at 11.37am UK time on Saturday.