New Zealand delivered a statement victory as they thrashed Fiji 78-0 to book their place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
The Kiwis established a 24-0 lead with four converted tries in the opening 13 minutes as Fiji – who pushed reigning champions Australia close a week ago – had no response on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Fiji conceded eight tries in the first half and five in a fiery second period, during which half-back Brandon Wakeham was sent off along with New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo.
Centre Casey McLean claimed four tries, Keano Kini scored two and Jahrome Hughes, Dane Gagai, James Fisher-Harris, Mulitalo, Xavier Willison, Briton Nikora and Erin Clark also crossed for Stacey Jones’ team.
“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.”
Fiji’s woes were not confined to the scoreline, with captain Apisai Koroisau suffering a suspected broken jaw as he clashed heads with Joseph Tapine in the eighth minute.
Semi Valemei, who impressed with a hat-trick of tries against the Kangaroos, also left the field with a head injury during the first half.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will now face an anxious wait to discover if Mulitalo faces a tournament-ending ban for a high shot on Ronald Philitoga, which prompted a fracas involving Wakeham.
However, in his post-match news conference Kiwis head coach Jones confirmed that star full-back Kalyn Ponga, who broke his arm in the tournament opener against Australia on 15 October, has trained this week and could be involved in their last-four match against either Samoa, Tonga or England.
Samoa and Tonga meet on Sunday and both look set to advance from Pool B & C.
England’s slim hopes rest on the unlikely scenario of Tonga defeating Samoa by more than 46 points.
The losers of the contest between the Pacific Island rivals will take on Australia next.
Kevin Walters’ side maintained their 100% record in their final group match with a comfortable 66-6 success over the Cook Islands in Townsville.
Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic both scored three tries each in a game the Cook Islands briefly led 6-4 when Rua Ngatikaura went over and Valentine Holmes added the extras.