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.

The Kiwis will head to Old Trafford tonight to watch Manchester United take on Arsenal hoping they will return in three weeks for a much more important occasion.

Thomas Leuluai's last World Cup experience was a pretty good one but this time it was all over in less than five minutes.

The Kiwis easily beat Papua New Guinea in Leeds this morning (NZT) but it still wasn't the complete performance they were looking for.

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.

For all the reputation, power and presence of the Kiwis team, I was not impressed with their overall performance in their encounter against a fragile, albeit enthusiastic, French outfit.

The Kiwis' greatest opponent in this World Cup could be the weight of expectation.

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.

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.

If the Kiwis are trying to build momentum in this World Cup, they didn't really achieve their goal this morning against France in Avignon.

Join us here for our live blog of the Rugby League World Cup Group B clash between the Kiwis and France from Parc Des Sports in Avignon.