New Zealand qualify for Student World Cup Semi-Finals after beating Scotland
In a match played in cold wind more suited to Glasgow than Brisbane, New Zealand romped to a 70-4 Student Rugby League World Cup win over Scotland to complete a dismal day for the Home Nations.

The dominance started after only 65 seconds when Tala Palea’asina scored in the corner and after Jamie McDonald added another try just six minutes later an onslaught was expected.

However Scotland hit back in the tenth minute after Calum Morrison forced his way over in the corner.

But that solitary try was all Scotland could muster as the rest of the game belonged to New Zealand. Aitkens set up McGregor for a try in the 15th minute before scoring one himself five minutes later. Nathan added his second in the 23rd minute and Palea’asina followed suit in the 28th.

Scotland threatened a min-revival, attacking strongly and Andy Grey got within centimetres of scoring. Dougie Flockhard also came close but couldn’t quite get to a McPhail grubber kick.

Scott Harrell’s 33rd minute try was the last score for 20 minutes as it wasn’t under 13 minutes after half-time that Jimmy O’Brien converted his own try to make it 48-4.

O’Brien repeated this five minutes later before Daniel McGregor made it 60-4 in the 61st minute.

Aitkens raced 40 metres to score his second in the 75th minute and Palea’asina did likewise just seconds from the end to complete a dominant win for the Kiwis.

NEW ZEALAND: Paul Aitkens, Sam Jacobsen, Scott Harrell, Mike Nathan, Tim Cahill, Daniel McGregor, Jamie McDonald, Chris Tupou, Jimmy O’Brien, Tala Paleaasini, James Kolomantangi, Aina Masina, Andrew Auimatagi. Subs (all used): Sam Jacobsen, Henry Heke, George Taunga, Sione Taynya, Mikaere October, Daniel Bell.
Tries: Palea'asina (1, 28, 79), McDonald (7), Nathan (13, 23), McGregor (15, 61), Aitkens (20, 75), Hurrell (33), O'Brien (53, 58).
Goals: McDonald 5/8, O'Brien 4/5

SCOTLAND: David Ford, Calum Morrison, Dougie Thompson, Dougie Flockhard, Andy McPhail, Mike Murphy, Lee Spence, Mike Wallace, Bobby Bahadori, Andy Grey, Dave Simm, Stuart Dunbar, Chris Fletcher. Subs (all used): Barry Earl, Tony Williams, Dave Jones, Dave Birchall, Ross Marshall, Sam Onions.
Tries: Morrison (10)

Gamebreaker: Like the Australia v Wales match before it, the game was a foregone conclusion midway through the first half.

Gamestar: Mike Nathan with a brace of tries to cap a fine performance.

Man of the match:
New Zealand - Mike Nathan.
Scotland - Dougie Flockhart.
Referee: Gary Owram (England).
Half-time: 42-4

Article by Ian Golden
  10 Jul 2005