Rachel Taylor’s side were expecting a backlash after the Black Ferns failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time on the competitions history. They weren’t to be disappointed as the Black Ferns ruthlessly exposed any Welsh error with wingers Shakira Baker and Selica Winiata constant threats with their speed and skill.
Baker raced over for a first half hat-trick and added a fourth try in the second half while Winiata scored a brace in a dominant display by New Zealand.
The Kiwis backline was slick and powerful and had the Welsh defence clutching thin air on numerous occasions.
New Zealand got off to a flying start to score twice before Wales pegged them back when No 8 Sioned Harries pounced on a loose ball and sprinted clear. Robyn Wilkins added the conversion to bring the score back to 17-7 but that was as close Wales would get all game.
The defending champions hit back immediately through Baker and when flanker Aroha Savage dived over in the corner, New Zealand held a deserved 27-7 lead at the interval.
The Welsh rear guard was peppered in the second half and conceded a further five tries as missed tackles were ruthlessly exposed by the victors.
Wales head coach Rhys Edwards admitted his side were outclassed.
“New Zealand showed today they are a world class team – they exploited every mistake we made. We lost possession too easily and they capitalised on our errors. They are tough lessons to learn to be honest. We went into the match knowing they are a good attacking force and they showed us just how good today,” he said.
Wales will now play the loser of Australia and USA in the seventh and eighth place play-off at Marcoussis on Sunday, 17 August.
“We’ve done well in terms of where we are but finishing seventh would be the icing on the cake and would show how far we have come since the last World Cup – as disappointing as it is today it is important we bounce back and finish seventh,” added Edwards.
Scorers:
New Zealand: Tries: Shakira Baker (4), Selica Winiata (2), Aroha Savage, Linda Itunu, Honey Hireme, Rawinia Everitt, Amiria Rule; Cons: Kendra Cocksedge (3), Kelly Brazier
Wales: Try: Sioned Harries; Con: Robyn Wilkins
