New Zealand produced a statement performance at the Rugby League World Cup, thrashing Fiji 78-0 on the Gold Coast to book a place in the semi-finals in emphatic style.

The Kiwis scored 13 tries to none, leading 48-0 at half-time after crossing four times in the opening 13 minutes. Jahrome Hughes opened the scoring in the first set, and by the 12-minute mark Keano Kini, Casey McLean and Dane Gagai had all crossed to give New Zealand a 24-0 lead that effectively settled the contest.

McLean stars, Isaako perfect with the boot

Centre Casey McLean scored four tries, including two in a four-minute spell in the second half, while Kini scored twice. Jamayne Isaako converted all 13 tries in a flawless kicking display. New Zealand finished with 1,670 run metres to Fiji's 779 and 12 line breaks to nil, underlining the scale of their dominance.

The result also carried a cost. Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was sent off in the 52nd minute for a shoulder charge, and Fiji's Brandon Wakeham was also dismissed after reacting to the incident, leaving both sides down to 12 players for the final half hour. Mulitalo now faces a nervous wait for the judiciary charge sheet, with a ban potentially ending his tournament even if New Zealand reach the 15 November final in Brisbane.

Women's results complete a big day

It was also a strong day for the women's tournament. Fiji Bulikula reached the semi-finals at their first World Cup with a 54-6 win over France, while the Kiwi Ferns beat Papua New Guinea 40-12 after a stern first-half test. New Zealand's men will face the winner of Sunday's Samoa against Tonga clash in next weekend's semi-final, while Fiji are out.