New Zealand Defeats Fiji to Reach Rugby League World Cup Semifinals

New Zealand crushed Fiji 78-0 on the Gold Coast on Saturday to secure a spot in the Rugby League World Cup semifinals after a fiery contest marred by two send-offs.

Centre Casey McLean scored 4 of the 13 tries for the winning side, while winger Jamayne Isaako converted all 13 of his attempts at goal during the match.

The victory ensures New Zealand advances from Group A into the knockout stage alongside hosts and defending champions Australia.

Fiji entered the match hoping to pull off an upset following a narrow 36-22 defeat against Australia last weekend in Brisbane.

The match descended into chaos in the second half when New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was sent off for a high tackle on Ronald Philitoga.

Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham reacted immediately by punching Mulitalo in the head while he was still on the ground, resulting in his own red card.

Tempers flared further as Nine.com.au reported that a host of Fiji players hounded Mulitalo after the collision.

"They want a piece of him!" said Corey Parker on Seven as the melee unfolded on the field.

Referee Grant Atkins sent both players from the field, leaving each team with 12 players for the remainder of the fixture.

Fiji also lost captain and hooker Api Koroisau to a suspected broken jaw early in the game after a head knock.

Fiji struggled to contain New Zealand's forwards throughout the game, and frustration boiled over again when Jordan Miller was sin-binned late for a high shot.

New Zealand will now face either Tonga or Samoa in the semifinals depending on the outcome of the remaining group matches.