A number of Scottish players got tattoos of a thistle this week to illustrate their commitment to the cause but it was the Kiwis who left their opponents stinging.

Watch a replay of our live blog from this morning's rugby league World Cup quarterfinal between the Kiwis and Scotland in Leeds.

He is being hailed as the next Billy Slater but English superstar Sam Tomkins reveals Alfie Langer inspired his dream to come to the NRL and his mum gave the thumbs up to the Warriors.

Watch a replay of our live blog of the Kiwis taking on Papua New Guinea in their final group game at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

I'm convinced size will play a big part in winning this World Cup and that's one thing the Kiwis have a lot of, writes Richie Barnett.

Until the weekend I was wedged somewhere between ambivalence and bemusement when it came to the Rugby League World Cup.

Rotation is understandable but the Kiwis' imperfect 48-0 win over France yesterday raised the issue of whether, in a short tournament, it might have been better to foster combinations.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney was happy with the defence after the 48-0 win over France in the World Cup yesterday.

It has been Stephen Kearney's main concern over the last few years, and on the evidence of the past week, continues to be the Kiwis' Achilles heel.

As the son of Kiwis great James Leuluai, Thomas Leuluai has spent his life trying to meet expectations.

Australia now have a free passage to the final after their win over England at the weekend. But it won't do them any favours, writes Richie Barnett.

The withdrawal of Thomas Leuluai from the side to face France tomorrow morning (NZT) is a blow for the Kiwis but it gives Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran another chance to develop their relationship in the halves.

Eden Park will be at near capacity for the inaugural Auckland's NRL Nines tournament judging by current ticket sales, organisers predict.

It was a moment which encapsulated New Zealand's performance against Samoa and left Sonny Bill Williams embarrassed.