Wallace thrilled by Scotland progress

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. 

The Bravehearts will take on New Zealand at Headingley on Friday, thanks to Tonga‘s 16-0 win over Italy on Sunday.

That meant celebrations for Steve McCormack’s side, who watched the game at Halifax together in their team hotel.

Wallace said: “It will be a tough game obviously, but it’s amazing that we’ve made the last eight of the World Cup. 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.”