TOMMY Smith captained New Zealand in their 7-1 triumph over New Caledonia.

The Colchester United defender skippered the All Whites side on his 45th appearance for his country in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania qualifier played at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, in Qatar.

Smith, 31, continued his record as the only player to have played a role in each of Danny Hay’s eight All Whites games.

 

Newcastle United striker Chris Wood netted twice in New Zealand's big victory, in their final Oceania Qualifiers Group B game.

Alex Greive also bagged a brace in their win, along with goals from Bill Tuiloma, Andre de Jong and Logan Rogerson.

New Zealand have joined Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tahiti in the semi-finals.

They had gone into their final Group B game after two wins and qualification to the semi-finals assured.

The final will be held on March 31, with the winner of the short tournament progressing to the Intercontinental Play-Off, for a place at this year's World Cup.

Smith has made 30 league and cup appearances for Colchester so far, this season.

The former Ipswich Town defender has clocked up 77 appearances in total for the U's since joining them in the summer of 2020.