Arabic version: الكيوي يبلغ نصف نهائي كأس العالم بعد اكتساح فيجي

According to ABC News, New Zealand sealed a Rugby League World Cup semifinal place with a 78-0 win over Fiji on the Gold Coast, in a match that included two send-offs.

The Kiwis scored 13 tries and were in control from the opening whistle. They crossed four times in the first 12 minutes, with Jahrome Hughes scoring in the second minute, Keano Kini adding another three minutes later, and Casey McLean scoring in the ninth. Dane Gagai then collected a loose ball dropped by Fiji on its goal-line to make the score 24-0.

New Zealand led 48-0 at half-time after scoring eight tries. Fiji captain Apisai Koroisau suffered a head knock after McLean’s try and was ruled out for the remaining 70 minutes. Fiji had hoped to produce an upset after pushing Australia hard at Lang Park a week earlier, but the result was effectively settled early.

The match turned heated when New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, who had scored in the first half, hit Fiji’s Ronald Philitoga in the head with his shoulder. Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham then punched Mulitalo in the head while the Kiwi was on the ground. Referee Grant Atkins sent off both players.

Joseph Tapine was later put on report for a high tackle, while Fiji interchange player Jordan Miller was sin-binned late for an alleged headbutt. McLean finished with four tries and Jamayne Isaako converted all 13 shots at goal. New Zealand will likely face either Tonga or Samoa in the semifinals, while Fiji will not advance.