Dejected Scotland captain Connor Boyle admitted his side “just didn’t turn up in the biggest game of our lives” as they were rel-egated from the World Under-20 Championship in Argentina after losing to Fiji 59-34.

Fiji scored eight tries as their pace and power stunned Carl Hogg’s side in the 11/12th place play-off in Rosario which means Scotland, having lost all five of their matches, conceding 197 points, will be playing in the Rugby Trophy next year.

That tournament is likely to feature countries such as Kenya, Canada and Uruguay and not being at the top table of age-grade rugby is a big blow to Scotland and their development of players.

Hooker Ewan Ashman did score seven tries in the five games, but the team were well off the pace at the Old Resian Club and questions will be asked about how young talent is nurtured and prepared to face top sides.

Watsonians back-row Boyle, pictured, said: “We just didn’t turn up in the biggest game of our lives, we had to be on the money, we weren’t and it was very disappointing.”

Hogg was equally downcast.

“It is devastating to get relegated out of this Championship. It is a big blow for this group of players and it is a big blow for Scottish rugby.

“We understood the importance and significance of this fixture, but, on the day, we just weren’t able to control Fiji’s attack.”

Fiji got off to a flying start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when a good break down the left set-up centre Isaac Ratumaitavuki for a try. Stand-off Caleb Muntz made the first of his eight conversions.

Scotland responded quickly, thanks to a penalty from vice-captain Ross Thompson, and then took the lead. After a good driving maul – their best attacking weapon throughout the tournament – the ball was well recycled and winger Jack Blain went over in the corner. Thompson missed the conversion and it was 8-7.

The Fijians were back ahead after they broke through some poor Scottish defending to off-load the ball quickly left, and centre Veresa Tuquvo went over with Muntz converting from the touchline.

Their lead was stretched to nine thanks to a Muntz penalty but seven minutes later, after playing well through the phases, Scottish full-back Matt Davidson ran on to a short ball to score under the posts with Thompson converting.

Once again the Fijians battled back though and in the 33rd minute full-back Osea Waqa ran in from 50 metres to score try number three, which was again converted to make it 24-15.

They then scored two quick-fire tries right at the end of the first half, with wingers Kaminieli Rasaku and Osea Natoga going over. Muntz’s conversions made the score 38-15 at the break.

Scotland managed to cut the deficit with Ashman scoring and Thompson’s conversion, but Fiji responded with their sixth try from Osea Waqa and the conversion reinstated their 23-point lead.

Blain got his second for Scotland, with Ashman also scoring again –converted by Thompson – to narrow the gap but Fiji weren’t finished and there were late tries from replacements Anasa Qaranivalu and Iliasa Druasese, both converted by Muntz.

Scorers, Scotland: Tries: Blain 2, Davidson, Ashman 2. Pen: Thompson. Cons: Thompson 3.

Fiji: Tries: Ratumaitavuki, Tuquvo, O Waqa 2, Rasaku, Natoga, Qaranivalu, Druasese. Pen: Muntz. Cons: Muntz 8.