Fiji Bulikula make history as Kiwis face nervous wait over Ronaldo Mulitalo

Fiji’s Bulikula have made history at the Rugby League World Cup, powering into their first ever women’s semi-final and setting up a huge showdown with defending champions Australia.

Bulikula vice-captain Cassie Staples said the breakthrough is a reflection of the growing strength of women’s rugby league across the Pacific.

“It's just a credit to the talent across the Pacific, especially in Fiji but there's some talented people across there, especially in the women's game. It's constantly growing and I'm super proud to be a part of it," she told journalists after the match.

The Bulikula booked their place with a 54-6 win over France at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday and continue a remarkable rise that has seen them push the Kiwi Ferns all the way in this tournament.

For star playmaker Sereana Naitokatoka, the historic win was about much more than the result on the scoreboard.

“We work hard for each other, that's one thing that I know these girls have, no matter what opposite number that we're going against...," she told the post-match media conference. "We played today for all the young girls back home, even in Australia, all around the world, and also for our sisters and our elderlies.”

The Fiji Bulikula celebrate a historic win over France and their place in the World Cup semi-finals. Photo/RLWC/NRL

They will now face the Jillaroos at Allianz Stadium next Sunday with the Pacific nation believing they can cause another major upset after taking New Zealand to the wire in an 18-12 loss in their opening match.

Fiji were in control from the start against France, racing to a 20-0 half-time lead before putting their foot down again after the break.

Tahlia Marshall scored twice and now has five tries for the tournament while Staples, Latisha Smythe, Leilani Ahsam and Lorren Ieli were also among the try-scorers.

The Bulikula's power through the middle and pace out wide proved too much for France. Staples finished with 135 metres and Smythe making 157m from 17 runs.

The one concern for Fiji is Maria Paseka, who returned from a leg injury for the match but was forced from the field again in the second half.

For a team playing at their first World Cup, the achievement is already historic. And there is now another chance to make history against the reigning world champions.

The Jillaroos will arrive in Sydney after making their own statement, smashing Wales 124-6 in the biggest win in Rugby League World Cup history.

Jaime Chapman scored six tries in the record-breaking victory while Jess Sergis crossed four times as Australia led 60-0 at half-time.

The Kiwi Ferns will meet Fetu Sāmoa in the other semi-final after beating the Papua New Guinea Orchids 40-12.

Ronaldo Mulitalo (5) gets his marching orders from referee Grant Atkins after his high tackle on Ronald Philitoga. Photo/Photosport/Jason O’Brien

Kiwis face Mulitalo wait

New Zealand’s men also sent out a huge warning with a 78-0 demolition of Fiji on Saturday. But the result has been followed by a disciplinary cloud over winger Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Mulitalo was sent off in the 52nd minute after making high contact with Fiji winger Ronald Philitoga, who was ruled out of the match.

Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham was then also sent from the field after throwing a punch at Mulitalo.

Mulitalo has now been hit with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle charge. If he enters an early guilty plea, he will miss New Zealand’s World Cup semi-final against Tonga.

If he fights the charge and loses, he faces a two-match ban which would also rule him out of the final if the Kiwis get there.

Wakeham has been charged with Grade 2 Striking, although Fiji’s tournament is already over.

Fiji's Brandon Wakeham is sent off after throwing a punch at NZ's Ronaldo Mulitalo. Photo/Photosport/Jason O’Brien

The Kiwis were already in cruise control before the drama, leading 48-0 at half-time and eventually running in 13 tries.

Casey McLean scored four tries to take his Test tally to 15 in just seven matches while Keano Kini scored twice and finished with 260 run metres and seven tackle breaks.

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones said the platform laid by his forwards was key to the dominant performance.

“We came out with the right mindset, in particular our starting middles were just on top of their game, and they laid a really good platform for the guys out wide," Jones said at the post-match media conference.

Jahrome Hughes also produced three try assists as New Zealand put together a performance that will have caught the attention of the other semi-finalists.

The victory also leaves the door open for Kalyn Ponga to make a surprise return for the knockout stage after recovering from a broken arm suffered in the tournament opener against Australia.

Naufahu Whyte powers forward as the Kiwis attack the Fiji Bati. Photo/Photosport/Jason O’Brien

Jones was cautious when asked whether Ponga could return for the semi-finals.

“He trained this week and we'll see where he's at next week. Again, just wait and see.”

For Fiji, it was a brutal end to their campaign with injuries to captain Api Koroisau and winger Semi Valemei adding to the challenge.

Australia also warmed up for the knockout stage with a 66-6 win over Cook Islands in Townsville, scoring 12 tries to one.

The men’s semi-finals are now set: Tonga will face New Zealand in Newcastle and Sāmoa to meet Australia in Sydney.