Memories of Sunday's heroics were banished as China suffered a heavy 55-5 defeat to favorites New Zealand in the quarterfinals of the women's rugby competition at the Paris Olympics on Monday.

Chen Keyi (R) of China competes against Michaela Blyde of New Zealand during the rugby sevens women's quarter-final between China and New Zealand at Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Entering the game following an earlier defeat in the final pool game to Canada, China knew they would need to improve against a Black Ferns side that had easily beaten them the day before. However, China got off to the worst start possible, conceding the first of nine tries within 20 seconds straight from their own kick-off.

Theresa Setefano caught the ball and broke through a Chinese tackle in midfield before offloading in the tackle to send Sarah Hirini through under the posts. Despite their poor start, China fought back well and started to build possession. Hard-running Chinese players caused New Zealand errors, including a yellow card for a high tackle by Hirini.

From the resulting penalty, China took a scrum and used the overlap to send Dou Xinrong over for a try. However, China's individual tackling let them down again from the kick-off as New Zealand caught the ball and broke through the Chinese defense to score an immediate response. Before the half was done, New Zealand scored two more tries, exploiting the Chinese wing defense to take the half-time score to 24-5.

The second half saw New Zealand step on the accelerator. Instinctive rugby, combined with experience and raw skill, was just too much for China to handle. Although the Chinese hearts never diminished, the team's defense struggled to adapt to New Zealand's flexible attacking plays. By the end of the half, New Zealand had run in a further five tries.

Following the defeat, Yang Feifei acknowledged the defensive errors despite their opponent's strength. "The opponents were very strong, and we should have been tougher in our defense. We were not in the same rhythm as them, which is something we need to improve on in the future. I saw many Chinese spectators, which touched me deeply," said Yang.

China will play Britain in the 5-8 position playoff on Tuesday. In the other quarterfinals, the U.S. defeated a poor Britain side 17-7 and will face New Zealand, while French hearts were broken by Canada 19-14, who will face Australia after they easily defeated Ireland 40-7.

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