New Zealand thrash Papua New Guinea

New Zealand have scored 10 tries in their final Rugby League World Cup group match to thrash Papua New Guinea 56-10 this evening.

Sonny Bill Williams led the reigning champions to a commanding 40-0 lead at the end of the first half, scoring a hat-trick of tries inside the opening 40 minutes, while setting up another for Frank-Paul Nu'uausala.

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Dion Aiye got Papua New Guinea on the scoreboard early in the second half, before creating a chance for Wellington Albert to add another late on.

Dean Whare and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ensured that New Zealand kept increasing their score, both scoring two tries.

The Kiwis eased off towards the end of the second half, using their replacements to rest players for the quarter-finals, where they will face either Scotland or Italy next Friday.