Scotland are into the quarter-finals of the Rugby League World Cup after Tonga beat Italy 16-0 this afternoon.
Having beaten Tonga and the USA and drawn with Italy in their group games, Steve McCormack's Bravehearts now face New Zealand in the last eight at Headingley in Leeds on Friday night.
Scotland star Peter Wallace, Penrith Panthers' new halfback, believes his 13,000-mile trip to the UK has been vindicated following confirmation that Scotland will take their place in the world Cup quarter-finals.
"It will be a tough game obviously, but it's amazing that we've made the last eight of the World Cup," Wallace said.
"The Kiwis aren't super-human. They're a good team but it'll take a massive effort to beat them. We'll do our best and give it our all and see where that takes us. We've got nothing to lose and it will possibly be the last World Cup game of a few of the boys so it will be a special occasion for us."
Wallace, though, is keen to play in the next World Cup in 2017, which is likely to take place in the Southern Hemisphere with the joint-host bid for Australia and New Zealand the favourite.
"I think I will be right for then," he said. "It's been great here in the last few weeks. It's been a great camp, a great trip, and this result today has made the trip that much better."
Wallace is one of three NRL-based players in the Scotland squad, joining up with Gold Coast Titans prop Luke Douglas and North Queensland Cowboys centre Kane Linnett.
"They've loved it, all three of us have. We've spoke about things a bit, and we've all loved our time here and we're made up that it's been extended. This is a great group of fellas, and everyone's had a fantastic time."
In their third World Cup, Scotland have surpassed all previous achievements. They have won two games out of their three group games when their previous best was one win - against Fiji - in 2008.
They have gained five points which beats their previous best of two in 2008. And they have won their group, having finished bottom in 2000 and having come second in 2008.
And a string of individuals are making major marks on the tournament:
- fullback Matty Russell is joint second in the top-tryscorers' list with four, behind Ryan Hall of England, who has six to his name.
- Warrington's new signing, Russell, is also top of the tournament for tackle busts with a phenomenal 22.
- Scotland have three of the top four tacklers in RLWC2013. Luke Douglas has 118, followed by Danny Addy with 106 and Dale Ferguson with 97. They are beaten only by Ireland's hooker Rory Kostjasyn who has made 140.
- Prop forward Luke Douglas is second in RLWC2013 for tackles from marker with 24, just one behind behind Kostjasyn who has made 25.
- Super League's Man of Steel Danny Brough is third for attacking kicks with 37 and is joint fifth in try assists with three.
Having beaten Tonga and the USA and drawn with Italy in their group games, Steve McCormack's Bravehearts now face New Zealand in the last eight at Headingley in Leeds on Friday night.
Scotland star Peter Wallace, Penrith Panthers' new halfback, believes his 13,000-mile trip to the UK has been vindicated following confirmation that Scotland will take their place in the world Cup quarter-finals.
"It will be a tough game obviously, but it's amazing that we've made the last eight of the World Cup," Wallace said.
"The Kiwis aren't super-human. They're a good team but it'll take a massive effort to beat them. We'll do our best and give it our all and see where that takes us. We've got nothing to lose and it will possibly be the last World Cup game of a few of the boys so it will be a special occasion for us."
Wallace, though, is keen to play in the next World Cup in 2017, which is likely to take place in the Southern Hemisphere with the joint-host bid for Australia and New Zealand the favourite.
"I think I will be right for then," he said. "It's been great here in the last few weeks. It's been a great camp, a great trip, and this result today has made the trip that much better."
Wallace is one of three NRL-based players in the Scotland squad, joining up with Gold Coast Titans prop Luke Douglas and North Queensland Cowboys centre Kane Linnett.
"They've loved it, all three of us have. We've spoke about things a bit, and we've all loved our time here and we're made up that it's been extended. This is a great group of fellas, and everyone's had a fantastic time."
In their third World Cup, Scotland have surpassed all previous achievements. They have won two games out of their three group games when their previous best was one win - against Fiji - in 2008.
They have gained five points which beats their previous best of two in 2008. And they have won their group, having finished bottom in 2000 and having come second in 2008.
And a string of individuals are making major marks on the tournament:
- fullback Matty Russell is joint second in the top-tryscorers' list with four, behind Ryan Hall of England, who has six to his name.
- Warrington's new signing, Russell, is also top of the tournament for tackle busts with a phenomenal 22.
- Scotland have three of the top four tacklers in RLWC2013. Luke Douglas has 118, followed by Danny Addy with 106 and Dale Ferguson with 97. They are beaten only by Ireland's hooker Rory Kostjasyn who has made 140.
- Prop forward Luke Douglas is second in RLWC2013 for tackles from marker with 24, just one behind behind Kostjasyn who has made 25.
- Super League's Man of Steel Danny Brough is third for attacking kicks with 37 and is joint fifth in try assists with three.
