4 Nov 2017

Convincing Kiwis thump Scotland in World Cup

10:02 pm on 4 November 2017

Halfback Shaun Johnson scored 22 points to become New Zealand's all-time highest pointscorer in the Kiwis' 74-6 obliteration of Scotland in the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday.

Jason Nightingale goes into score for the Kiwis against Scotland.

Jason Nightingale goes into score for the Kiwis against Scotland. Photo: Martin Hunter/Photosport

Having drawn last year's Four Nations clash with the Bravehearts, David Kidwell's troops hit the ground running in Christchurch and were near- untouchable.

They ran in 14 tries to one, with Peta Hiku and Te Maire Martin scoring hat- tricks. Fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck nabbed four assists in an utterly destructive attacking display.

Even when the match was safely settled, the Kiwis kept their foot on the accelerator and stuck to their high-octane style.

They'll now take plenty of confidence into next weekend's crunch match against Tonga, likely to settle first place in Pool B.

Kidwell was chuffed with his side's display.

"There's all the forwards really standing up and creating that space for the outside backs and halves to do their role," Kidwell said.

"Roger, his role is to push up around these big boys, make sure that if they get their arm free, he's there to capitalise.

"His energy around the ball is what we're looking for."

The Kiwis got off to a spirited start, capitalising on a Scottish penalty to score through Kenny Bromwich in the eighth minute and then via Jason Nightingale.

Joseph Tapine followed suit as the Kiwis began to run riot, while the evergreen Nightingale bagged his second in the 22nd minute.

A barnstorming run from Nelson Asofa-Solomona then made a simple try for Martin, starting at five-eighth on his home Test debut.

Hiku scored just before the break to give his side a 28-0 lead.

It took just three minutes for the Kiwis to extend their lead in the second half, with Tuivasa-Sheck putting prop Russell Packer over the line.

Hiku and the returning Dean Whare followed suit, before Johnson, Elijah Taylor and Hiku and Martin doubles put the match to bed.

Scotland scored a late consolation through halfback Oscar Thomas.

"Their outside backs really cause some trouble when they get quick play-the- balls - we knew that if we could make sure to nullify that, it'd give us the best option to get the ball in a great position," Kidwell said.

- AAP