Jason Little scored a record-equalling four tries to help Australia qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup with a 74-0 win over Tonga in Canberra yesterday. The Wallabies crossed for 12 touchdowns to run away with the second-round Pacific qualifying tournament game.

Little equalled the four tries scored by Greg Cornelsen against New Zealand in 1978 and David Campese against the United States in 1983.

While Little goes in the record books, the Australians just missed their all-time record 76-0 win over England set earlier this year and fell one try short of their record for a test, scored against South Korea in the 1987 World Cup.

The win enhanced the formality of Australia finishing on top of the four-nation Pacific tournament and taking their place in the World Cup's Pool E based in Ireland.

Fiji gained an impressive 26-18 victory over Western Samoa in another qualifying game.

Both sides scored two tries, Fiji recording a touchdown through Fero Lasagavibau and being awarded a penalty try, while Trevor Leota and Halifax Blue Sox RL full-back Mike Umaga crossed for Western Samoa.

In a tight contest, three penalties from Nicky Little proved the difference for Fiji, beaten 66-20 by Australia four days ago.