Australia thrash Fiji 52-0 to reach Brisbane final

Australia crushed Fiji 52-0 at the Sydney Football Stadium yesterday to join New Zealand in next weekend's centenary Rugby League World Cup final.

Fullback Billy Slater and scrumhalf Johnathan Thurston scored hat-tricks as the Kangaroos ran in 10 unanswered touchdowns.

Wing Brent Tate scored an early double before limping off in the first half with a hip injury that could force him out of next Saturday's final in Brisbane while lock Paul Gallen and centre Greg Inglis crossed once each.

The Fijians, who were appearing in the semi-finals for the first time, were hopelessly outclassed by the Australians, who have won each of the past six World Cups dating back to 1975.

Any hopes of a tight contest disappeared almost as soon as the match began with the Australians scoring after just 63 seconds and running in three tries inside the first 10 minutes.

Fiji managed to keep the Australians scoreless for the next 22 minutes but the Kangaroos scored twice more to lead 26-0 at half-time, then piled on another five in the second term.

Australia will go into the final as overwhelming favourites to win after thumping New Zealand 30-4 during the pool rounds.

The Kiwis booked their place in the final by beating England 32-22 on Saturday.