New Zealand 40 Scotland 4: Star-studded Kiwis halt remarkable World Cup run

Scotland’s brave Rugby League World Cup run came to a predictable halt as holders New Zealand became the first team through to the semi-finals.

The Kiwis ran in eight tries, five of them from their star-studded three-quarter line, in a 40-4 victory and took their points total in four games to an impressive 186.

But it was far from the feared rout as the Bravehearts, inspired by skipper Danny Brough, shrugged off their massive underdog status as well as a row over funding their Facebook page claimed their financial backing has been removed pending a future decision to entertain the 16,207 crowd at Headingley.

They trailed 36-0 but certainly had chances and produced the biggest cheer of the night when winger Alex Hurst scored their solitary try on 64 minutes.