New Zealand into semis with statement win over Fiji
New Zealand overwhelmed Fiji 78-0 on Australia’s Gold Coast to reach the men’s Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. They raced to a 24-0 lead in 13 minutes, turning a match expected to test them into a one-sided win.
Casey McLean scored four tries and Keano Kini added two, while several teammates also crossed. Fiji captain Apisai Koroisau left with a suspected broken jaw, and New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and Fiji half-back Brandon Wakeham were sent off after a fracas; Mulitalo could face a ban. New Zealand may have Kalyn Ponga available for the semi-final after he returned to training from a broken arm.
In short
- New Zealand beat Fiji 78-0 to reach the semi-finals.
- Casey McLean scored four tries.
- Mulitalo could face a ban after being sent off.
Explained simply
The Rugby League World Cup is an international tournament in which national teams compete in rugby league, a fast-paced contact sport with six tackles to advance the ball before possession usually changes. New Zealand, known as the Kiwis, and Fiji are established teams in the competition, and reaching the semi-finals puts a side one win from the final.
Fiji’s team includes players with links to the country who may also have other national or club backgrounds. The Kiwis draw on a strong rugby league system in New Zealand and overseas clubs. Injuries and disciplinary decisions can affect who is available for later matches, so they may shape the semi-final line-ups.