McLean scores four as New Zealand rout Fiji 78-0 to reach World Cup semi-finals

New Zealand secured a Rugby League World Cup semi-final place with a 78-0 victory over Fiji on Australia's Gold Coast, scoring 13 tries in a match that also brought red cards for both teams. According to BBC Sport's match report, Casey McLean led the scoring with four tries as Stacey Jones' side overwhelmed opponents who had tested defending champions Australia a week earlier.

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The Kiwis took control almost immediately, building a 24-0 advantage through four converted tries in the opening 13 minutes. They crossed eight times before the interval and added another five tries in the second half. Keano Kini scored twice, while Jahrome Hughes, Dane Gagai, James Fisher-Harris, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Xavier Willison, Briton Nikora and Erin Clark supplied the other seven tries. Captain Fisher-Harris praised his team's performance afterwards, describing Fiji as strong opposition and highlighting the contest between the forwards.

Fiji also suffered injury setbacks during the opening half. Captain Apisai Koroisau sustained a suspected broken jaw after a clash of heads with Joseph Tapine in the eighth minute. Semi Valemei, who had scored three tries against Australia, later left with a head injury.

The second half brought disciplinary concerns for New Zealand despite their commanding position. Mulitalo was sent off for a high challenge on Ronald Philitoga, with Fiji half-back Brandon Wakeham also dismissed after the resulting confrontation. Whether Mulitalo receives a suspension that ends his tournament remains unresolved.

Jones offered a more encouraging update on Kalyn Ponga at his post-match news conference. The coach said the full-back had trained during the week and could feature in the semi-final, despite breaking his arm against Australia in the tournament opener on 15 October.

New Zealand's next opponent will be Samoa, Tonga or England. Samoa and Tonga meet on Sunday, with England needing Tonga to win by more than 46 points to keep their campaign alive. In the other men's group match covered by the BBC, Australia beat the Cook Islands 66-6 in Townsville to finish their group fixtures with a perfect record.