New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney was happy with his side’s performance as they secured a place in the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup at the expense of Scotland with a 40-4 win at Headingley on Friday night.
The current holders outclassed Steve McCormack’s Bravehearts in Leeds as 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.
Scotland, who exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals, did grab a consolation try courtesy of Alex Hurst.
Kearney felt his side did well considering the pressure was on them going into a tie against the unfancied Scots and he can now look forward to a last-four date against either England or France in the encounter at Wembley next Saturday, November 23.
Kearney said: “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.”
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