Kiwis player ratings: How Stacey Jones’ side rated in Rugby League World Cup demolition against Fiji
Ben Francis rates the Kiwis players in their 78-0 Rugby League World Cup win over Fiji on the Gold Coast.
1. Keano Kini – 9
Made a note that he wanted to improve after his efforts against the Cook Islands and he didn’t disappoint. Was a menace at the back and it felt like every time he touched the ball something was going to happen. Finished with a game-high 260m, to go with seven tackle breaks and a brace of tries.
2. Jamayne Isaako – 6
Had very limited chances with the ball. Made a nice try-saving tackle early in the second half. Another reliable match off the tee, slotting all 13 conversion attempts.
3. Dane Gagai – 5
Scored his first try for the Kiwis which was a nice moment. Carried well and made 20 tackles.
4. Casey McLean – 9
This man is just scoring tries for fun. Now has 14 across his seven tests, and is quickly closing in on the Kiwis’ all-time record of 22, which is held by Manu Vatuvei. Proved to be hard to contain for Fiji, claiming a game-high nine tackle breaks.
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo – 4
Strong carrying the ball, but could have played his last game of the World Cup after making direct forceful contact to the head of Ronald Philitoga which saw him sent from the field.
6. Kodi Nikorima – 5
Took a back seat as Jahrome Hughes, then Te Maire Martin steered the team around the field. Still finished with two line break assists and two try assists.
7. Jahrome Hughes – 8
Had the ball on a string during his time on the field. Started the encounter by scoring the easiest try of his career before setting up three more. Kicked well before being given an early rest.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 6
The skipper was immense in the opening 20 minutes where the platform was laid to securing the win. Ran for 55m, made nine tackles and even scored a try before being told to rest up.
9. Jeremy Marshall-King – 7
The domination of the forwards allowed the crafty hooker to navigate out of dummy half with ease. Finished with 25 tackles without a miss, but appeared to pick up a niggle early in the second half, which could be a cause for concern ahead of the semi-finals.
10. Moses Leota – 7
A physical force in the middle of the field and arguably produced the tackle of the World Cup with a brutal hit on Caleb Navale late in the match.
11. Isaiah Papali’i - 7
Carried the ball well and finished as the Kiwis’ top tackler with 26.
12. Briton Nikora - 7
Ran some nice lines and claimed a well-deserved try.
13. Joseph Tapine – 8
Dominant during the opening exchanges and Fiji had no answers for his work on and off the ball. Was placed on report for a dangerous tackle in the second half.
Interchange
14. Te Maire Martin – 7
Came on at halfback and played the last 30 minutes at halfback where he claimed two try assists.
15. Naufahu Whyte – 9
Without question now has to be the best prop in rugby league after another scintillating performance with a dominant display off the bench. Ran for 200m, 75 of those were post-contact and carried on the momentum in the middle. Running out of superlatives to describe him.
16. Erin Clark – 7
Another classy performance, where his skill was on display on both sides of the ball. Finished the game at hooker and claimed a late try.
17. Xavier Willison – 7
Fiji had no answer for his presence in the middle of the field. Scored his first test try.
Interchange players not used: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Scott Sorensen.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.