{
  "id": 17351745,
  "title": "Two players sent off, punch thrown as Kiwis thrash Fiji",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/two-players-sent-off-punch-thrown-as-kiwis-thrash-fiji",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T06:24:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-31/new-zealand-kiwis-thrash-fiji-bati-rugby-league-world-cup/107332040"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a brutal match, New Zealand's Ronaldo Mulitalo and Fiji's Brandon Wakeham were both sent off after a violent incident during the world cup tournament. The Kiwis dominated from the outset, scoring a staggering 48 points in the first half alone. Australia will face the Cook Islands in the final match of Pool A, needing a win to claim the top spot. After a ruthless start where New Zealand scored four tries within the first 12 minutes, the match quickly turned into a de facto semifinal as the Kiwis amassed a 48-0 lead. The tension escalated when Mulitalo and Wakeham clashed, each player being sent off for their actions. Referee Grant Atkins ruled them both out of the game, with their indiscretions likely to be noted in the post-match reports. Wakeham's career in the tournament appears to be over, but Mulitalo still stands a chance for the semifinals. This early exit is a huge blow for Fiji, who were hoping to secure an upset victory. In the first half, New Zealand's tries were scored by Jahrome Hughes, Keano Kini, Casey McLean, and Dane Gagai, solidifying their ruthless start.",
  "summary": "Two players have been sent off after a vicious high tackle was followed by a punch to the head, as New Zealand marches towards the semifinals of the tournament.",
  "key_points": [
    "New Zealand's Ronaldo Mulitalo and Fiji's Brandon Wakeham sent off",
    "New Zealand dominated with 48 points in first half alone",
    "Match turned into de facto semifinal with 48-0 Kiwis lead"
  ],
  "editors_take": "New Zealand's overwhelming offensive dominance and the resulting disciplinary violence signal a widening gap between the tournament favorites and a Fijian side struggling to maintain composure under pressure.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}