Dallin Watene-Zelezniak equaled the record for most tries in a single World Cup match as the Kiwis all but booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Rugby League World Cup.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scores one of his four tries as the Kiwis beat Jamaica at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Watene-Zelezniak’s efforts helped the Kiwis beat Jamaica 68-6 in Hull for their second win in pool play.
The veteran Warriors winger scored four tries – with the first three coming inside the opening 20 minutes of the match – and set up another two with clever kicks back in field, before leaving the field with cramp in the 62nd minute.
The haul equaled Manu Vatuvei’s effort against England at the 2008 edition of the tournament.
Eight other players crossed for the Kiwis in a 13-try win.
However, Ben Jones-Bishop went over in the closing stages to score Jamaica’s first ever try in a World Cup.
Defeat means debutants Jamaica can no longer reach the knockout stages.
“I am real pleased how the players went about what they did. From our last game to this one I thought our cohesion was better, but we also know we can get better again,” said coach Michael Maguire.
New Zealand scored seven first-half tries, but led by the relatively modest margin of 34-0 at the break due to Kieran Foran converting only three attempts, as the veteran half struggled with the responsibility handed to him with Jordan Rapana (not selected) and Dylan Brown (illness) out of the squad.
Of main concern for the Kiwis will be prop Moses Leota (leg) and utility Marata Niukore (chest) failing to play the second half.
New Zealand can reach the quarter-finals with one game to spare in Group C if Ireland beat Lebanon tomorrow.
The Kiwis face Ireland in their next match next weekend.
-RNZ/BBC
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