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.
» Click here to read the match report
Final score
New Zealand 18
Scotland 18
The New Zealand Kiwis will be hoping to record a big win over Scotland in Workington as they look to book their place in the final at Anfield. Join The Roar from 7am (AEDT) for live coverage.
New Zealand need to defeat Scotland by at least 30 points in order to put themselves in prime position for a title assault.
David Kidwell has named four debutants with David Fusitu’a selected on the wing while Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine appear on an extended six-man bench.
Shaun Johnson lies as the centre of New Zealand’s attack, the Warriors scrum-half having shown his footwork, speed and skill over the opening fortnight of the tournament.
He will need to guide rookie Te Maire Martin off the bench and continue to improve on his kicking game, especially if the Kiwis are to play Australia in next week’s final at Anfield.
Scotland have made a home away from home in Cumbria. Ever since the 2013 Rugby League World Cup when they played Tonga and Italy in Workington, the Bravehearts have played a number of tests in the region with matches held at Derwent Park as well as in Barrow where they defeated Cumbria Select XIII 48-16 in a warm-up match.
The Bravehearts’ Four Nations campaign is well and truly over following losses to Australia 54-12 and England 38-12.
Workington Town second-rower Brett Phillips has been named by coach Steve McCormack.
Last week they pushed England scoring the opening two tries in Coventry, putting up a contest against the world No.3 nation.
Despite having nothing to play for, Scotland will be eager to win in order to set history by becoming the first (and last) invited nation to win a game at the Four Nations.
Lachlan Coote and Danny Brough will be at the centre of the Bravehearts’ attack, the pair having proven they can make some great plays in their opening two games.
If they are to be a chance however and pull off what may well be the biggest upset in international rugby league of all-time, the Scots must contain the Kiwis’ forward pack which features the likes of Storm duo Jesse Bromwich and Tohu Harris as well as veteran Adam Blair, and workhorses Manu Ma’u and Martin Taupau.
The occasion will mark Brough’s 22nd test for Scotland, equalling Andrew Henderson as the most-capped player.
New Zealand and Scotland have met only once with the Kiwis coming out on top 40-4 at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Prediction
The Kiwis will be waiting on Sunday’s result to determine if they have a chance at retaining their world no. 1 ranking.
New Zealand by 28.
Join The Roar from 7am (AEDT) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
Hayne Plane
Guest
Renegade there were Zero Scots in the Scotland side. Its embarrassing you have to make up an International team to create depth
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
New Zealand are missing him big time.
doogs
Guest
haha. Great comment
tmt3
Roar Rookie
They're missing Simon Mannering. His leadership, and his abilities would steer them to victory more than what you have been seeing. The truth holds for the Warriors. He needs to be in there, particularly in the leadership.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I was only able to watch the last 20 minutes of the match. When I tuned in I was shocked to see the score at 10-4 and when Scotland hit the lead I think my head exploded. But then New Zealand started playing up the middle with offloads and the tries came. It seemed too easy. Did Scotland switch off? My view is that they didn't as I have seen New Zealand trouble both Australia and England when playing that way. I'm not sure why Kidwell isn't getting his players to play that way more often. My view is that if they did, they would have already qualified for the final. So well done Scotland. Seriously well done. But New Zealand, get yourself together man and play like we know you can play.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Hrmm, an England upset over Australia would certainly make things interesting, even a draw gets them through?
The spectator
Guest
FREEDOM!
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
EJ It's a Sunday afternoon game in England on the BBC, something about broadening the game...while the NZ - Scotland game was only available via paid satellite....mutually elusive if you ask me but that's the Poms for you :-)
Jezza
Guest
NZ are woeful. Well done Scotland
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Tomorrow night.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Absolutely Vincent, even better for the international game. What a storyline we have brewing for next year's World Cup knowing the Kiwis have Scotland, Samoa and Tonga in their group. November 4th 2017 in Christchurch, etch that date in. Hopefully we get another cracker in a year's time. Great tournament by Scotland.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Agreed EJ, very strange to have England playing Australia on Monday morning. Regardless, it should be a gripping contest.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
It's a testament to the Scots for pushing the Kiwis. Thanks for following along Geoff.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
That concludes The Roar’s coverage of New Zealand vs Scotland. There will be plenty more footy to come over the coming weeks with The Roar having live coverage of every game of the Four Nations. For the Scottish faithful, Brent Ford has Australia vs Scotland in international rugby from 1:30am. Meanwhile, Connor Bennett has live coverage of the second test between Australia and South Africa before the NBL and A-League continues later this evening. Thanks for following along.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Scotland definitely proved themselves. Looking forward they are only going to get better from here. New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga in their group at next year's World Cup, will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Great ADVERTISEMENT for the game of RL.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
How does the Four Nations play out from here? If England win or draw with Australia on Monday morning, they will meet again in the final at Anfield. If Australia defeat England, they will face off against their fierce rivals New Zealand for the world no. 1 spot.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Cracking finish! Well done to the Scots loved the raw emotion! All Kiwis now jumping on the Kangaroos to win. Why the 2 day game time difference? Seems strange given importance of turnaround times for next week
Maximillian
Guest
Great effort by Scotland. If NZ make the final they need a massive improvement or they will get smoked!
Steve
Guest
That stings, my punters club had $337 on Scotland -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.