New Zealand crushed Fiji 78-0 on Australia’s Gold Coast to secure a spot in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. The Kiwis surged ahead with a 24-0 lead in the opening 13 minutes, dominating a physical encounter that saw multiple players leave the field injured or suspended.
Stacey Jones’ team wasted no time establishing control over their opponents on Australia’s Gold Coast. The Kiwis crossed the try line eight times in the first half alone, overwhelming a Fijian side that had pushed reigning champions Australia close just a week prior.
New Zealand Crushes Fiji in First-Half Flurry
Centre Casey McLean led the scoring onslaught with four tries for New Zealand. Keano Kini added two tries, while Jahrome Hughes, Dane Gagai, captain James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Xavier Willison, Briton Nikora, and Erin Clark also contributed to the 78-0 scoreline.
🇳🇿 New Zealand preview, key players, coach and squad.🔗 https://t.co/fBWrojpoRl pic.twitter.com/Y1Dr9YENQ6
Pretty special and pleased about how we went about our business.
James Fisher-Harris, New Zealand captain
Fisher-Harris added that while Fiji are a good team, the Kiwis executed their game plan effectively through a bruising forward battle.
Injuries and Discipline Mount During Fiery Encounter
The lopsided match carried a heavy physical cost for both squads. Fiji captain Apisai Koroisau suffered a suspected broken jaw in the eighth minute following a head clash with Joseph Tapine. Semi Valemei, who previously starred with a hat-trick against the Kangaroos, exited during the first half with a head injury.
Disciplinary issues flared in the second period as Fiji half-back Brandon Wakeham and New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo were both sent off. Mulitalo now faces an anxious wait regarding a potential tournament-ending ban stemming from a high shot on Ronald Philitoga that triggered a melee involving Wakeham.
Kiwis Await Semi-Final Opponent as Ponga Nears Return
Having booked their place in the tournament’s final four, New Zealand awaits the outcome of the match between Samoa and Tonga. Meanwhile, head coach Jones delivered positive news regarding star full-back Kalyn Ponga, who broke his arm in the tournament opener against Australia on 15 October. Ponga has returned to training this week and could feature in the upcoming semi-final against Samoa, Tonga, or England.
In other tournament action, Australia maintained a 100% record in their final group match by defeating the Cook Islands 66-6 in Townsville, with Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic each scoring three tries. Debutants Fiji will face Australia in the other semi-final after defeating France 54-6.
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