New Zealand overran a spirited Scotland 40-4 to reach the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals on Friday night.
The expected result left the Kiwis, the defending champions, and the title favourites, Australia, as the only unbeaten sides. Scotland had two wins and a draw to reach a first quarter-final, but endured a lesson in finishing. The Scots frequently backed the New Zealanders to their tryline but could not beat the last man or put a kick in the right spot.
For the fourth successive match, the Kiwis scored eight tries or more, with the winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and centre Bryson Goodwin scoring two each, and also on the board were prop Jesse Bromwich, second-row Frank Pritchard, halfback Shaun Johnson and wing Manu Vatuvei.
Alex Hurst crossed the line for Scotland’s consolation in the 65th minute to make it 36-4.
After a New Zealand try in the fourth minute was disallowed on review by a knockon, Goodwin finished off a break in his own half by hooker Isaac Luke with backup from fullback Kevin Locke and Sonny Bill Williams.
Bromwich barged through three Scots to dot down beside the left post in the 15th, and Tuivasa-Sheck had time to pick up a dropped pass from Johnson to scuttle into the right corner in the 20th to make it 14-0.
Goodwin beat three tacklers and found Kieran Foran, who gave Pritchard a free run to the line in the 26th, then moments later Williams broke with a left-arm fend on halfway and sent Johnson haring to the posts. Vatuvei then almost scored the try of the tournament, taking the kickoff deep and busting four tackles before his run was stopped by accidental obstruction from Johnson.
Instead, Tuivasa-Sheck provided the solo highlight, taking a chip on the full, stepping off his left foot and zooming 90 metres for his second try and sixth of the tournament, tying him for the lead with England’s Ryan Hall.
Vatuvei had a try disallowed because Goodwin stepped out of touch, but soon after Goodwin’s inside pass gave Vatuvei a fair try.
Hurst finally replied for Scotland from a Danny Brough missout pass to the delight of the 16,200-strong crowd, but Goodwin had the last say, leaping to catch a Foran crosskick above his head and falling over the line.
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Rugby League World Cup: New Zealand overrun Scotland to reach semi-final
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