Rugby League World Cup 2013: New Zealand 40-4 Scotland

New Zealand eased into the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals with an eight-try victory over Scotland at Headingley.

Steve McCormack's side tried hard but were completely outclassed by the holders who were barely tested.

Centre Bryson Goodwin and winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck both scored two tries apiece while Jesse Bromwich, Frank Pritchard, Shaun Johnson and Manu Vatuvai also crossed for the Kiwis.

Alex Hurst grabbed a consolation try for Scotland.

Current holders New Zealand will now face either England or France, who meet in their quarter-final tie on Saturday, in the last four at Wembley on 23 November.

After an early Issac Luke effort was turned down by the video referee, a break by the hooker and a quick play-the-ball freed up Goodwin on the left for the opening try but Johnson missed the kick.

Seven minutes later, prop Bromwich powered over from close range and on 20 minutes a lovely pass by Kieran Foran freed up Tuivasa-Sheck for his first try of the evening.

New Zealand were able to make plenty of easy metres against their opponents and after 27 minutes they went over again when a lovely flowing move led to veteran Pritchard, who missed the 2008 tournament after shoulder surgery, crossing.

Straight from the kick-off, Sonny Bill Williams, who was given a scare in the opening minute of the match when he took a heavy tackle from Adam Walker, fed Johnson who added to the tally and his own kick made it 26-0 at the break.

Man of the match Tuivasa-Sheck grabbed Scotland centre Kane Linnet's kick and raced the length of the field to score a spectacular try 10 minutes into the second half and Vatuvai, who had a try disallowed by the video referee moments earlier, this time made no mistake.

Danny Brough gave Scotland a boost with a 40/20 kick to give them possession 20m out from the Kiwis line and from that, London Broncos player Hurst got the biggest cheer of the night when he raced in for a Scotland try with Brough unable to add the extras.

But Goodwin added his second 10 minutes from time when he jumped highest to take a Foran kick and ground the ball.

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney:

"It was a pretty good performance. We had a really difficult week in preparing, because everyone expected us to get the result.

"The lads have done very well in preparing properly and completing the job.

"We knew Scotland would throw a lot at us early on but we handled it."

Scotland coach Steve McCormack:

"My lads gave it their best shot. We expected New Zealand to be that good - they are a world-class team and it will take a good side to beat them.

"The lads have given everything in this tournament, we got to the quarters for the first time in our history and I'm very proud of them.

"Everything about this tournament has been excellent for Scotland. Now it's important we move forward from here."

Teams

New Zealand: Locke, Tuivasa-Sheck, Whare, Goodwin, Vatuvei, Foran, Johnson, Matulino, Luke, Bromwich, Pritchard, Williams, Mannering. Replacements: Taylor, Waerea-Hargreaves, Nuuausala, Moa.

Scotland: Russell, Scott, Hellewell, Linnett, Hurst, Brough, Wallace, Walker, I. Henderson, Douglas, Addy, B. Phillips, Kavanagh. Replacements: A. Henderson, Wilkes, Szostak, S. Barlow.

Att: 16,207

Referee: Ben Cummins (Australia)