It hasn’t been a great week for world No.1 New Zealand teams – as if the All Blacks coughing up their first loss to Ireland in more than a century in Chicago wasn’t enough, this morning the Kiwis drew with Rugby League minnows Scotland in the third of week of Four Nations.
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The Scottish were this year’s ‘fourth team’ invited to the Four Nations tournament, playing alongside the tradition powerhouses of world rugby league in Australia, England and the Kiwis.
These invited teams have never managed to get a win over any of the established powers in five editions of the tournament – and that hasn’t changed, but Scotland came mightily close in recording this draw.
Scotland held a 12-10 lead with six minutes to go in the match before Gerard Beale added two tries to New Zealand’s total, moving them out to a six-point advantage.
New Zealand looked set to record a win, albeit one by a much lower margin than was expected, until a late try from Euan Aitken, which was then converted by Scottish captain Danny Brough, levelled the scores.
“I’m as proud as anything,” said Scotland coach Steve McCormack.
“Not only that never-say-die attitude from our lads but just the manner in which we got that result.
“We’re also a bit disappointed that we didn’t win. The players were sensational. We’ve played against the world’s best team tonight with a young team.”
Brough admitted that he had needed pain-killing injections to play, but said it had been worth it to achieve a historic result.
“I probably shouldn’t have played,” he said. “I can’t put my heel down now. But it was worth it with the effort the boys put in.”
New Zealand still stand a strong chance of making the Four Nations final despite the disappointing result – they’ll get through to play Australia so long as the Kangaroos defeat England on Monday morning (AEDT).
Wee Wally
Guest
Couldn't hear on the Irish one either. The commentator's whining would probably have blocked it out anyway. The Irish are such poor sports.
J
Guest
How did you work out 5th most popular winter sport? Union, soccer (which is played professionally in the summer) and what? Hurling? Ice Hockey?
Republican
Guest
..........real Australian teams would be exclusively indigenous - would they not?
Republican
Guest
.....exactly and all will be revealed this weekend when NZ demoralise us when it really counts, yet again.
Jacko
Guest
And yet I was. Or was I??? mmmmm
Jacko
Guest
I am also elated to see NZ defeated in both rugby codes by Scotland & Ireland, 18 all is a draw not a defeat
Republican
Guest
........it has been poor hasn't it. That said I now tip NZ to run away with it in undeserving fashion v us, due to our complacency over the years when pitted against NZ and because they always play out of their skins v Australia. The whole tournament has been inconsistent in respect of results to establish form. England were very unlucky v NZ and ordinary v Scotland; NZ almost lost to Scotland; Australia defeated England convincingly - so the fickle trend favours my tip for the final showdown, to be sure.
Fellow Kool Aid Drinker
Guest
Mate, the kiwis faced the poms a few weeks ago
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Gold!
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Haha well I'll be loading up on the Kangaroos then. Your tipping is atrocious!!
Republican
Guest
I predict an English victory v us tonight.
Republican
Guest
I reckon NZ always play out of their skins in all and sundry v Australia whereas we always take them far too lightly. NZ are a collectively obsessive mob who exist to be noticed by us This is where they derive their identity. To be better than us is to feel better about themselves. We seem to have a similar inferiority complex in respect of Mother Albion.
Republican
Guest
PS I am flattered that all here are waiting on my response with baited breath, especially since I come from a place of such ignorance in respect of League and to a lesser degree, Union. Thanks for making me feel so welcome - despite this, one and all.
Republican
Guest
........I am shocked to say the least. Excuse my ignorance but has league any historic pedigree in Scotland? Inconsistent results though when you look at the margins throughout this lightening round robin. England are looking pretty good are they not, to defeat us and take the accolades as world number one, at least until the WC i.e. I am also elated to see NZ defeated in both rugby codes by Scotland & Ireland, while the Scots were very unlucky v the Wallabies but no surprises there since we all know that the Wallabies are a second tier Union side truth be told, so not so great expectations in re to Union as there is with League for us.
Jacko
Guest
Is that the rules? If you win 3 in one year you can no longer be beaten?
Jacko
Guest
Yes Jackson83 those 20000 kids playing league, and union, and soccer and any other sport wants to say that a school team means registered players, should have been in the NZ side eh? There is 3550 adult league players in NZ.. Arnt facts funny things? You asked what republican would say. I gave you the replys about union that some Aus people have been using. Not my opinion, just an example of what others have been saying. Can you spot the difference? Delusional.....Your name suits you.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Cheers Vincent that would explain things. I realised they didn't update mid-tournament but hadn't calculated that the tournament started in October. So yeah Perth hasn't been included yet
Renegade
Roar Guru
Hahaha jacko is the gift that keeps giving.... We know he wasn't joking, that's the problem.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Why would Australia want to avoid NZ? as it has been mentioned so many times to you Australia is 3 win for no losses in games played in 2016.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
The simple thing was slightly toungue in cheek. I domt mind the system TBH, but I am not sure how it is implemented as you are right that points gap is straggering The October Perth test isnt counted in the rankings yet as the 4N started before October 31. The last rankings update was September 30. No updates are made mid tournament.