Scots take heart from last Kiwis clash
VETERAN Scotland captain Danny Brough says his team’s 18-18 draw in last year’s Four Nations should provide some inspiration against New Zealand in Christchurch today.
The Scots suffered a demoralising 50-4 defeat to Tonga in their Rugby League World Cup opener last week.
New Zealand, meanwhile, put their foot on the gas after half-time to run in 28 second-half points in a 38-8 win over Samoa.
Brough, who is taking part in his third World Cup, said last year’s result against the Kiwis had shown the Scots could compete against the best in the world.
“What a great result for us, probably the best in our history,” he said of the draw.
“If we can try and repeat a bit of that form we showed last year, we’ll enjoy ourselves and hopefully go well.”
Brough (pictured) said that while there were a number of new faces in the Scottish team from that 18-18 draw, it was important to show the same commitment and fight today.
“It’s a different group of players, a different squad, but we need the same determination, the same resilience and the same skill,” he said.
There will be a much younger look to the Scotland team to face the Kiwis and there may be debuts for 20-year-old Bradford centre Brandan Wilkinson and Roosters second-rower Jarred Anderson.
Scotland coach Steve McCormack said resilience would be key as they look to rebuild confidence after their big loss to Tonga.
“We want to do really well and hopefully get a quarter-final spot,” he said.