New Zealand into semis with statement win over Fiji

New Zealand secured a place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals with a dominant 78-0 victory over Fiji on Australia's Gold Coast. Stacey Jones' side established early control by running in four converted tries in the opening 13 minutes, ultimately crossing for 13 tries in total. Centre Casey McLean scored four tries, Keano Kini added two, while Jahrome Hughes, Dane Gagai, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Xavier Willison, Briton Nikora, and Erin Clark also touched down.

The contest turned fiery in the second half, resulting in red cards for New Zealand winger Mulitalo and Fiji half-back Brandon Wakeham. Fiji suffered significant setbacks with captain Apisai Koroisau sustaining a suspected broken jaw and Semi Valemei exiting with a head injury. Following the match, Jones revealed full-back Kalyn Ponga has returned to training after an arm fracture and could feature in the semi-finals against Samoa, Tonga, or England.