New Zealand delivered a stunning statement victory on Saturday, thrashing Fiji 78-0 to book their place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Casey McLean in action for the Kiwis (Credits: BBC Sport)
Casey McLean Stars as Kiwis Run Riot
The Kiwis raced into a 24-0 lead with four converted tries inside the opening 13 minutes, and Fiji — the side that pushed reigning champions Australia close just a week ago — had no answer. Centre Casey McLean claimed four tries to take his tournament tally to seven, while Keano Kini scored twice. Jahrome Hughes, Dane Gagai, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Xavier Willison, Briton Nikora and Erin Clark also crossed for Stacey Jones’ team.
Fiery Second Half Brings Send-Offs and Injury Fears
Fiji conceded eight tries in the first half and five more in a fiery second period, during which half-back Brandon Wakeham was sent off along with New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo. Fiji captain Apisai Koroisau suffered a suspected broken jaw after clashing heads with Joseph Tapine, while Semi Valemei — who impressed with a hat-trick against Australia — left the field with a head injury.
“Pretty special and pleased about how we went about our business,” said New Zealand captain Fisher-Harris. “Fiji are a good team but I thought we played really well. It was a battle of the forwards.”
The Kiwis will face an anxious wait to learn if Mulitalo faces a tournament-ending ban for a high shot on Ronald Philitoga. On better news, head coach Stacey Jones confirmed star full-back Kalyn Ponga — who broke his arm in the tournament opener against Australia on October 15 — has trained this week and could feature in the semi-final against either Samoa, Tonga or England.
Also Read: England Rugby League World Cup Disaster: Men and Women Both Set to Miss Semi-Finals
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
