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Scotland will need a performance of braveheart proportions if they hope to knock reigning champions New Zealand out of the Rugby League World Cup. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00am AEDT.
The Kiwis are yet to be challenged thus far in the tournament and it appears that another one sided contest could be on the cards in their quarter-final against Scotland.
Scotland has done very well to secure passage to the knockout stages, given that they were in a tough group containing the likes of Tonga, USA and Italy.
The preceding teams all had their fair share of NRL stars, but Scotland still managed to secure passage to the quarter-finals with their win over the USA.
However, a victory tonight against the Kiwis would surely rank as probably the greatest upset in rugby league history.
On form and on paper, New Zealand boost firepower across the park, and many would argue that this in indeed the Kiwis’ best ever squad.
Upfront, the reigning world champions are led by superstar Sonny Bill Williams. He is joined by Roosters premiership winning team-mates Jared Waerea Hargreaves and Frank Paul Nuuausala.
The backline is also filled with great skill, with Josh Hoffman, Roger Tuivasa Sheck, Keiran Foran and Shaun Johnson all playing great football.
If the Kiwis do skip out to an early lead, expect New Zealand to post a half century score before the final whistle.
Scotland’s best chance of staying in the contest will be to score a try against the run of play. If they can somehow get on the board first, they will undoubtedly win the crowd and play with added passion.
Titans forward Luke Douglas is going to have to play the match of his life upfront in a bid to help Scotland’s pack match their more favoured counterparts.
While Scotland should certainly be expected to give it their best, the class and experience of New Zealand should see the men in black win comfortably.
New Zealand by 34.