2000 Rugby League World Cup

2000 (2000) World Cup  ()
Number of teams	16
Host countries	United Kingdom Ireland France
Winner	Australia (9th title)
Matches played	31
Attendance	263,921 (8,514 per match)
Top scorer	Mat Rogers (70)
Top try scorer	Wendell Sailor (10)
Tournaments  < 1995 2008 >

The 2000 Rugby League World Cup (known officially as the Lincoln 2000 World Cup due to sponsorship from Lincoln Financial Group) was the twelfth staging of the Rugby League World Cup and was held during October and November of that year in Great Britain, Ireland and France. Sixteen national teams competed in four groups of four, playing each other once over three weekly rounds before a series of play-offs culminated in the final between Australia and New Zealand. Tournament favourites Australia defeated New Zealand in the final, claiming their sixth consecutive and ninth total World Cup title. Kangaroos winger Wendell Sailor was named player of the tournament.

Summary

Building on the previous successful competition, it was decided to expand the format further, with the number of teams rising from 10 to 16. As before, an Emerging Nations Tournament was held alongside the main event.

The millennium World Cup attracted a record sponsorship of over £1 million from Lincoln Financial Group, who had also sponsored Great Britain's Tests against New Zealand the previous autumn.

The 2000 World Cup was not considered a great success. There were too many mismatches in the early stages, and some of the teams lacked credibility. Notably the inclusion of a side representing New Zealand’s Māori population, Aotearoa Māori, alongside the full New Zealand team, and a Lebanon side consisting entirely of Australians of Lebanese origin, led to derisory comments in the media. The tournament's organisers also attracted criticisim regarding marketing and ticketing. Due to these reasons crowds at the tournament were low; also torrential rainstorms and the crisis on Britain’s railways following the Hatfield rail crash did not help encourage spectators^{[citation needed]}.

There were however some positives: the tournament returned a profit of more than £2m despite the small crowds it attracted; the French performed creditably, and attendance for the games held in France was encouraging. The much-derided Lebanon team also proved the catalyst for domestic competition in that country.

On the competition side of things, favourites Australia and New Zealand cut a swathe through the tournament, with several dominant performances setting up an obvious final clash. New Zealand's 49-6 semi-final dispatch of England, coupled with Australia only hitting the lead in their semi-final against Wales with 23 minutes remaining, had New Zealand installed as favourites in some quarters. However, it was Australia who prevailed in a tense, absorbing finale. Australia only led 18-12 with 15 minutes remaining, but a glut of possession saw them finish strongly - scoring four late tries to give the appearance of an easy victory.

Qualifying

See also: 2000 Rugby League World Cup qualifying

Six countries - Lebanon, the United States, Morocco, Canada, Italy and Japan - competed for one available place in the tournament. In the final play-off match the United States lost 62-8 to Lebanon, who were through to their first World Cup.

Teams

Further information: 2000 Rugby League World Cup Squads

• Australia - coached by Chris Anderson and captained by Brad Fittler
• Cook Islands - coached by Stan Martin and captained by Kevin Iro
• England - coached by John Kear and captained by Andy Farrell
• Fiji - coached by Don Furner, Sr. and captained by Lote Tuqiri
• France - coached by Gilles Dumas and captained by Fabien Devecchi
• Ireland - coached by Ralph Rimmer and captained by Terry O'Connor
• Lebanon - coached by John Elias and captained by Darren Marroon
• New Zealand - coached by Frank Endacott and captained by Richie Barnett
• NZ Māori - coached by Cameron Bell and captained by Tawera Nikau
• Papua New Guinea - coached by Bob Bennett and captained by Adrian Lam
• Russia - coached by Evgeniy Klebanov and captained by Ian Rubin
• Samoa - coached by Darrell Williams and captained by Willie Poching
• Scotland - coached by Shaun McRae and captained by Andrew Purcell
• South Africa - coached by Paul Matete and captained by Jamie Bloem
• Tonga - coached by Murray Hurst and captained by Martin Masella
• Wales - coached by Clive Griffiths and captained by Iestyn Harris

Group 1

Results

18:30, 28 October	England	2 – 22	Australia	Twickenham Stadium, London Attendance: 33,758 Referee/s: David Pakieto Man of the Match: Brett Kimmorley
	Pen: Farrell		Try: Sailor (2), Gidley, MacDougall Con: Rogers (3/4)

This was the first rugby league match to be played at Twickenham Stadium, London's home of rugby union.

England:
1. Kris Radlinski, 2. Leon Pryce, 3. Scott Naylor, 4. Keith Senior, 5. Chev Walker, 6. Tony Smith, 7. Sean Long
8. Harvey Howard, 9. Paul Rowley, 10. Stuart Fielden, 11. Adrian Morley, 12. Mike Forshaw, 13. Andy Farrell.
Substitutes: 14. Paul Wellens, 15. Kevin Sinfield, 16. Darren Fleary, 17. Paul Anderson.
Coach: John Kear

Australia:
1. Darren Lockyer, 2. Mat Rogers, 3. Ryan Girdler, 4. Matt Gidley, 5. Wendell Sailor, 6. Brad Fittler, 7. Brett Kimmorley
8. Shane Webcke, 9. Andrew Johns, 10. Robbie Kearns, 11. Gorden Tallis, 12. Bryan Fletcher, 13. Scott Hill.
Substitutes: 14. Adam MacDougall, 15. Jason Croker, 16. Darren Britt, 17. Jason Stevens

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15:00, 29 October	Fiji	38 – 12	Russia	Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness Attendance: 2,187 Referee/s: Russell Smith
	Try: Vunivalu (3), Tuqiri (2), Kuraduadua, Sovatabua Con: Tuqiri (5/7)		Try: Rullis, Iliassov Con: Jiltsov (1/1) Mitrofanov (1/1)

Fiji:
1. Lote Tuqiri, 2. Jone Kuraduadua, 3. Waisale Sovatabua, 4. Eparama Navale, 5. Farasiko Tokarei, 6. Semi Tadulala, 7. Stephen Smith
8. Kalaveti Tuiabayaba, 9. Tabua Cakacaka, 10. Freddie Robarts, 11. Etuate Vakatawa, 12. Joe Tamani, 13. Samu Marayawa.
Substitutes: 14. Atunaisa Vunivialu, 15. Josefa Lasagavibau, 16. Amani Takayawa, 17. Peceli Vuniyayawa.

Russia:
1. Robert Iliassov, 2. Mikhail Mitrofanov, 3. Donovan, 4. Craig Cygler, 5. Romanov, 6. Olari, 7. Gavriline
8. Ian Rubin, 8. Lysenkov, 10. Robert Campbell, 11. Petr Sokolov, 12. Findlay, 13. Joel Rullis.
Substitutes: Kalachkine, Netchaev, Jiltsov, Postnikov.

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2000-11-01	Australia	66 – 8	Fiji	Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead Attendance: 4,197 Referee/s: Robert Connolly
	Try: Rogers (4), Girdler (2), Kennedy (2), Hindmarsh, Barrett, MacDougall, Gidley Con: Rogers (9/12)		Try: Cakacaka (m), Tuqiri (m) Con: ? (0/2)

Australians Ben Kennedy, Trent Barrett and Nathan Hindmarsh were selected to make their Kangaroo debuts in this match.

Australia:
1. Darren Lockyer, 2. Mat Rogers, 3. Ryan Girdler, 4. Matt Gidley, 5. Adam MacDougall, 6. Trent Barrett, 7. Andrew Johns, 8. Jason Stevens, 9. Craig Gower, 10. Michael Vella, 11. Ben Kennedy, 12. Nathan Hindmarsh, 13. Brad Fittler.
Substitutes: Scott Hill, Jason Croker, Robbie Kearns, Shane Webcke.
Coach: Chris Anderson

Tries: Rogers 4, Kennedy 2, Barrett, Hindmarsh, MacDougall, Girdler 2, Gidley.
Goals: Rogers 9.

Fiji:
1. Lote Tuqiri, 2. Jone Kuraduadua, 3. Waisale Sovatabua, 4. Navalu, 5. Semi Tadulala, 6. Smith, 7. Naisoro, 8. Tabua Cakacaka, 9. Robarts, 10. Vakatawa, 11. Tamani, 12. Marayawa, 13. Vunivalu.
Substitutes: Tokarei, Navugona, Takayawa, Wawavamia.

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2000-11-01	England	76 – 4	Russia	Knowsley Road, St Helens Attendance: 5,736 Referee: Bill Shrimpton
	Try: Sinfield (3), Jamie Peacock (2), Long (2), Rowley (2), Walker, Stephenson, Hay, Deacon, Pryce Con: Farrell (5), Long (5)		Pen: Mitrofanov (2)

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2000-11-04	England	66 – 10	Fiji	Headingley Stadium, Leeds Attendance: 10,052 Referee: Thierry Alibert
	Try: Jamie Peacock (3), Wellens (2), Rogers (2), Naylor, Hay, Radlinski, Smith, Farrell Con: Farrell (9/12)		Try: Tuqiri (m), Navale (c), Con: Vunivalu (1/2)

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2000-11-04	Australia	110 – 4	Russia	The Boulevard, Hull Attendance: 3,044 Referee: Stuart Cummings
	Try: Sailor (4), Girdler (3), Croker (2), Hindmarsh (2), Barrett (2), Johns, Tallis, Fletcher, Webcke, MacDougall, Gidley Con: Girdler (17/19)		Try: Donovan Con: ? (0/1)

Final standings

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	Points
Australia	3	3	0	0	198	14	+184	6
England	3	2	0	1	144	36	+108	4
Fiji	3	1	0	2	56	144	-88	2
Russia	3	0	0	3	20	224	-204	0

Group 2

Results

14:30, 29 October	New Zealand	64 – 0	Lebanon	Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester Attendance: 2,496 Referee/s: Bill Harrigan
	Try: Jones (2), Carroll (2), Vainikolo (2), Talau (2), Barnett (2), Swain, Jellick Con: Jones (6), Paul (2)

New Zealand:
1. Ritchie Barnett (c), 2. Leslie Vainikolo, 3. Tonie Carroll, 4. Willie Talau, 5. Brian Jellick, 6. Henry Paul, 7. Stacey Jones
8. Smith, 9. Swain, 10. Pongia, 11. Logan Swann, 12. Kearney, 13. Wiki.
Substitutes: J. Vagana, Robbie Paul, Rua, Cayless.
Coach:Frank Endacott

Lebanon:
1. Hazem El Masri (c), 2. Najarrin, 3. Katrib, 4. Touma, 5. H. Saleh, 6. Stanton, 7. Coorey
8. Maroon, 9. Semrani, 10. Elamad, 11. Chamoun, 12. Khoury, 13. Lichaa.
Substitutes: Salem, Nohra, Tamer, S. El Masri.

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18:45, 29 October	Wales	38 – 6	Cook Islands	Racecourse Ground, Wrexham Attendance: 5,016 Referee/s: Thierry Alibert
	Try: Tassell (3), Jenkins, Briers, Cunningham Con: Harris (6/6) Pen.: Harris (1/1)		Try: Temata Con: Piakura (1/1)

Wales:
1. Paul Atcheson, 2. Paul Sterling, 3. Jason Critchley, 4. Kris Tassell, 5. Anthony Sullivan, 6. Iestyn Harris (c), 7. Lee Briers
8. Anthony Farrell, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 10. Dave Whittle, 11. Justin Morgan, 12. Mick Jenkins, 13. Dean Busby.
Substitutes: Ian Watson, Wes Davies, Paul Highton, Garreth Carvell.

Cook Islands:
1. Richard Piakura, 2. Tongia, 3. Steve Berryman, 4. Kevin Iro (c), 5. Karl Temata, 6. Bowen, 7. Joe
8. Tuakuru, 9. Clark, 10. Temu, 11. Kuru, 12. Pau, 13. Anthony Samuels.
Substitutes: Andersson, Lewis, Tere Glassie, Cook.

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2000-11-02	New Zealand	84 – 10	Cook Islands	Madejski Stadium, Reading Attendance: 3,982 Referee: Tim Mander
	Try: Vaealiki (2), Paul (2), Barnett (2), Lavea (2), Lauitiiti, Vainikolo, Wiki, Cayless, Pongia, Vagana, Puletua Con: Lavea (12/15)		Try: Noovao Iro Con: Piakura (1/2)

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2000-11-02	Wales	24 – 22	Lebanon	Stradey Park, Llanelli Attendance: 1,497 Referee: David Pakieto
	Try: Harris (2), Davies, Cunningham, Sterling Con: Harris (2/5)		Try: Saleh (2), Coorey El Masri Con: El Masri (3/4)

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2000-11-05	Cook Islands	22 – 22	Lebanon	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Attendance: 17,612 Referee: Bill Shrimpton
	Try: Berryman (2), Toa, Joe Con: Berryman (2) Piakura		Try: El Masri (2), Touma, Saleh Con: El Masri (3/4)

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2000-11-05	Wales	18 – 58	New Zealand	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Attendance: 17,612 Referee: Russell Smith
	Try: Briers, Atcheson, Farrell Con: Harris (3/3)		Try: Vainikolo (3), Barnett (2), Lauitiiti, Wiki, Vagana, Paul, Talau, Carroll Con: Paul (5) Lavea (2)

Final standings

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	Points
New Zealand	3	3	0	0	206	28	+178	6
Wales	3	2	0	1	80	86	-6	4
Lebanon	3	0	1	2	44	110	-66	1
Cook Islands	3	0	1	2	38	144	-106	1

Group 3

Results

15:00, 28 October	Papua New Guinea	23 – 20	France	Charlety Stadium, Paris Attendance: 7,498 Referee/s: Steve Ganson
	Tries: Bai, Krewanty, Buko, Lam. Goals: Buko, Wilshere 2. Drop Goals: Lam.		Tries: Benausse, Dekkiche, Hechiche 2. Goals: Banquet 2.

France
1. Freddie Banquet, 2. Yancine Dekkiche, 3. Cassin, 4. Dulac, 5. Patrice Benausse, 6. Laurent Frayssinous, 7. Devechi
8. Rachid Hechiche, 9. Wulf, 10. Teixido, 11. Guisset, 12. Tallec, 13. Jampy.
Substitutes: El Khalouki, Carrasco, Sands, Despin.

Papua New Guinea
1. David Buko, 2. John Wiltshere, 3. Aila, 4. Songoro, 5. Marcus Bai, 6. Stanley Gene, 7. Adrian Lam
8. Kahl, 9. Marum, 10. Solbat, 11. Naawi, 12. Mamando, 13. O'Reilly.
Substitutes: Mom, Alex Krewanty, Norman, Mondo.

This was the first match of a double-header in Paris for the opening round.

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17:00, 28 October	Tonga	66 – 18	South Africa	Charlety Stadium, Paris Attendance: 7,498 Referee/s: Darren Hopewell
	Try: Vaikona 5' (c) D. Mann 7' (c) Vaikona 20' (c) Liava'a ?' (m) Masella ?' (m) Moala ?' (m) E. Mann 44' (m) Vaikona 46' (m) Lomi 51' (c) Vaikona 55' (c) Kaufusi ?' (?) D. Mann ?' (?) Mason ?' (?) Con: Moala (4/9) Mason (1/1)		Try: Breytenbach 17' (m) Barnard ?' (c) Best ?' (c) Con: ? (0/1) Bloem (2/2) Pen: O'Shea (1/1)

This match formed the second part of the opening round double-header in Paris.

Tonga:
1. Koloi, 2. Fifita Moala, 3. Tevita Vaikona, 4. G. Wolfgramm, 5. Lipina Kaufusi, 6. Howlett, 7. W. Wolfgramm
8. Martin Masella (c), 9. Esau Mann, 10. Talite Liava'a, 11. Willie Mason, 12. Talou, 13. Duane Mann.
Substitutes: D. Fisi'iahi, Manu, Nelson Lomi, Kite.

South Africa:
1. Tim O'Shea, 2. Brian Best, 3. Leon Barnard, 4. Johnson, 5. Dames, 6. Conrad Breytenbach, 7. Jamie Bloem
8. Booysen, 9. Skelton, 10. Powell, 11. Rutgerson, 12. De Villiers, 13. Erasmus.
Substitutes: Jennings, Nel, Mulder, Cloete.
Coach: Paul Metete

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Before the match a statue honouring French rugby league legend, Puig Aubert was unveiled by the French Rugby League Federation at the stadium.

14:00, 1 November	France	28 – 8	Tonga	Stade d'Albert Domec, Carcassonne Attendance: 10,288 Referee/s: Steve Clark
	Try: Banquet ?' (c) Sirvent ?' (c) Dulac 66' (m) Garcia ?' (c) Jampy ?' (c) Con: Banquet (4/5) Pen: Banquet (0/2)		Try: D. Fisi'iahi ?' (m) P. Fisi'iahi 60' (m) Con: Moala (0/2)

France:
1. Freddie Banquet, 2. Jean-Marc Garcia, 3. Cassin, 4. Arnaud Dulac, 5. Claude Sirvent, 6. Fabien Devechi, 7. Rinaldi
8. Hechiche, 9. Wulf, 10. Sands, 11. Jerome Guisset, 12. Tallec, 13. Pascal Jampy.
Substitutes: Despin, Carrasco, Sort, Teixido.

Tries: Banquet, Sirvent, Dulac, Garcia, Jampy. Goals: Banquet 4.

Tonga:
1. Koloi, 2. Fifita Moala, 3. Vaikona, 4. David Fisi'iahi, 5. L. Kaufusi, 6. Howlett, 7. Hifo
8. Martin Masella (c), 9. E. Mann, 10. Liava'a, 11. Willie Mason, 21. Kite, 13. D. Mann.
Substitutes: Paul Fisi'iahi, Manu, Nelson Lomi, A. Masella.

Sin Bin: Lomi (25") for flopping.

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2000-11-02	Papua New Guinea	16 – 0	South Africa	Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse Attendance: 4,313 Referee: Darren Hopewell
	Try: Aila 25' (c) Wilshere 31' (c) Paiyo 52' (m) Con: Wilshere (2/3)

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2000-11-05	France	56 – 6	South Africa	Stadium Municipal d'Albi, Albi Attendance: 7,969 Referee: Steve Clark
	Try: Cassin 8' (c) Banquet 21' (c) Cassin 35' (c) Guisset 38' (c) Jampy ?' (c) Jampy ?' (c) Jampy 53' (c) Sirvent ?' (c) Tallec ?' (c) Con: Banquet (9/9) Pen: Banquet (1/1) 18'		Try: de Villiers ?' (m) Con: ? (0/1) Pen: Bloem (1/1) ?'

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2000-11-06	Papua New Guinea	30 – 22	Tonga	Stadium Municipal d'Albi, Perpignan Attendance: 3,666 Referee: Steve Ganson
	Try: Mondo 19' (c) Gene 23' (m) Buko 35' (c) Karl ?' (m) Gene ?' (c) Con: Wiltshere (3/5) Pen: Wiltshere (2/2) 5', 42'		Try: Moala 10' (c) Mason 39' (c) Moala ?' (m) Vaikona ?' (m) Con: Moala (2/2) Pen: Moala (1/1) 7'

Final standings

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	Points
Papua New Guinea	3	3	0	0	69	42	27	6
France	3	2	0	1	104	37	67	4
Tonga	3	1	0	2	96	76	20	2
South Africa	3	0	0	3	24	138	-114	0

Group 4

Results

the opening match of the World Cup was accompanied by heavy rain. Samoa's Fred Peterson had to be stretchered off the field after suffering a blow to the head while making a tackle 15 minutes into the second half.

15:00, 28 October	Ireland	30–16	Samoa	Windsor Park, Belfast Attendance: 3,207 Referee/s: Tim Mander Man of the Match: Barrie McDermott
	Tries: Joynt, Ricketson, Eagar, Carney, Prescott. Goals: Prescott 5		Tries: Leauma, Milford, Betham. Goals: Geros 2.

Ireland
1. Steve Prescott, 2. Brian Carney, 3. Michael Withers, 4. Michael Eagar, 5. Forster, 6. Tommy Martyn, 7. Ryan Sheridan
8. O'Connor, 9. Williams, 10. Barrie McDermott, 11. Chris Joynt, 12. Campion, 13. Luke Ricketson
Substitutes: Bretherton, Lawless, Barnhill, Southern. Coach: Steve O'Neill

Samoa
1. Loa Milford, 2. Brian Leauma, 3. Anthony Swann, 4. Gulavao, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Simon Geros, 7. Willie Swann
8. Puletua, 9. Monty Betham, 10. Seu Seu, 11. Solomona, 12. Fred Peterson, 13. Willie Poching
Substitutes: Tatupu, Kololo, Leafa, Faafili.

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2000-10-29	Scotland	16–17	Aotearoa Māori	Firhill Stadium, Glasgow Attendance: 2,008 Referee/s: Stuart Cummings
	Tries: Penny, Maiden, Bell Goals: Mackay, Crowther		Tries: Toopi 2, Kidwell Goals: Ngamu 2 Drop Goals: Ngamu

Scotland: 1. Lee Penny, 2. Matt Daylight, 3. Graham Mackay, 4. Geoff Bell, 5. Lee Gilmour, 6. Andrew Purcell, 7. Richard Horne
8. Heckenberg, 9. Russell, 10. Laughton, 11. Scott Logan, 12. Cram, 13. Adrian Vowles.
Substitutes: David Maiden, Matt Crowther, Wayne McDonald, Shaw.
Coach: Shaun McRae

Sin Bin: McDonald (40).

New Zealand Maoris: 1. Clinton Toopi, 2. Manuell, 3. Kohe-Love, 4. David Kidwell, 5. Sean Hoppe, 6. Gene Ngamu, 7. H. Te Rangi
8. Rauhihi, 9. Perenara, 10. Terry Hermansson, 11. Koopu, 12. Tyran Smith, 13. Tawera Nikau.
Substitutes: Martin Moana, Leuluai, Nahi, Reihana.

Sin Bin: Nikau (40).

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2000-11-01	Ireland	18–6	Scotland	{{{stadium}}} Attendance: 1,782 Referee/s: Russell Smith
			{{{points2}}}

Scotland's loose forward, Adrian Vowles was sent to the sin bin mid-way through the second half for repeated off-side infringements Ireland:
1. Steve Prescott, 2. Brian Carney, 3. Martyn, 4. Eagar, 5. Herron, 6. Michael Withers, 7. Ryan Sheridan
8. O'Connor, 9. Lawless, 10. McDermott, 11. Joynt, 12. Kevin Campion, 13. Luke Ricketson.
Substitutes: Williams, Mathiou, Barnhill, Bradbury.

Scotland: 1. Danny Arnold, 2. Matt Daylight, 3. Lee Gilmour, 4. Bell, 5. Matt Crowther, 6. Horne, 7. Scott Rhodes
8. Heckenberg, 9. Russell, 10. Laughton, 11. Logan, 12. Cram, 13. Adrian Vowles.
Substitutes: Maiden, Graham, McDonald, Shaw.

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2000-11-01	Samoa	21–16	Aotearoa Māori	Derwent Park, Workington Attendance: 4,107 Referee: Bill Harrigan

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2000-11-04	Ireland	30–16	Aotearoa Māori	Tolka Park, Dublin Attendance: 3,164 Referee: Bill Harrigan

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2000-11-05	Scotland	12–20	Samoa	Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh Attendance: 1,579 Referee: David Pakieto

Final standings

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	Points
Ireland	3	3	0	0	78	38	40	6
Samoa	3	2	0	1	57	58	-1	4
Aotearoa Māori	3	1	0	2	49	67	-18	2
Scotland	3	0	0	3	34	55	-21	0

Knockout Stage

	Quarterfinals					Semifinals					Finals
		New Zealand	54
		France	6
							New Zealand	49
							England	6
		England	26
		Ireland	16
												New Zealand	12
												Australia	40
		Australia	66
		Samoa	10
							Australia	46
							Wales	22
		Wales	22
		Papua New Guinea	8

Quarter-Finals

2000-11-11	Australia	66–10	Samoa	Vicarage Road, Watford Attendance: 5,404 Referee: Stuart Cummings

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2000-11-11	England	26–16	Ireland	Headingley, Leeds Attendance: 15,405 Referee: Tim Mander

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2000-11-12	New Zealand	54–6	France	The Jungle, Castleford Attendance: 5,158 Referee: Bill Harrigan

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2000-11-12	Wales	22–8	Papua New Guinea	Auto Quest Stadium, Widnes Attendance: 5,211 Referee: David Pakieto

Semi-Finals

2000-11-18	New Zealand	49–6	England	Reebok Stadium, Bolton Attendance: 16,032 Referee: Tim Mander

This was the England rugby league team's biggest ever loss.

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2000-11-19	Australia	46–22	Wales	McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield Attendance: 8,114 Referee: Russell Smith

Wales became the first team in twelve months to score more than two tries against Australia.

Final

2000-11-25	Australia	40–12	New Zealand	Old Trafford, Manchester Attendance: 44,329 Referee: Stuart Cummings

Australia	Position	New Zealand
Darren Lockyer	1. FB	Richie Barnett
Mat Rogers	2. WG	Nigel Vagana
Adam MacDougall	3. CE	Tonie Carroll
Matt Gidley	4. CE	Willie Talau
Wendell Sailor	5. WG	Lesley Vainikolo
Brad Fittler (c)	6. FE	Henry Paul
Brett Kimmorley	7. HB	Stacey Jones
Shane Webcke	8. PR	Craig Smith
Andrew Johns	9. HK	Richard Swain
Robbie Kearns	10. PR	Quentin Pongia
Gorden Tallis	11. SR	Matt Rua
Bryan Fletcher	12. SR	Stephen Kearney (c)
Scott Hill	13. LF	Ruben Wiki
Trent Barrett	14. Bench	Robbie Paul
Nathan Hindmarsh	15. Bench	Joe Vagana
Darren Britt	16. Bench	Nathan Cayless
Jason Stevens	17. Bench	Logan Swann
Chris Anderson	Coach	Frank Endacott

In a high-scoring final at Old Trafford, the Kangaroos overwhelmed the spirited challenge of their Trans-Tasman opponents, who had been tipped by some to cause an upset. Wendell Sailor put in a strong performance with two great tries and Mat Rogers had a near-perfect afternoon with the boot as the Australians ran out 40-12 winners and were crowned world champions for a sixth successive time.

Australia stepped on the gas from the kick-off, tearing into New Zealand at every opportunity. But the Kiwi defence stood firm, although they almost conceded after 22 minutes. Sailor looked to have scored the first try of the game after a burst down the right wing only for the video official to rule that Stephen Kearney had prevented the Brisbane Broncos player from grounding the ball. The look of disbelief on Sailor's face was there for everyone to see, but he clearly did not let the decision affect his game. Three minutes later, his grubber kick was pounced on by Matt Gidley, who beat Kearney to the touch down. Rogers, assuming the kicking duties in place of the injured Ryan Girdler, landed the conversion to open up a 6-0 lead. New Zealand had few opportunities to go on the offensive, although they finished the first half strongly. But it was the favourites Australia who looked in control and deservedly went into the break in front.

The start of the second half was held up by the appearance of a male streaker. When play finally got under way, the tackles were just as ferocious as ever, neither side giving an inch. However Australia gained the edge when Brad Fittler split the defence with a pass to Nathan Hindmarsh, who scored from close range, bringing the score to 10-0. Rogers converted to make it 12-0. New Zealand were not about to throw in the towel and hit back almost immediately. Lesley Vainikolo pounced on a loose ball to dive over on 49 minutes, although the decision was again made by the video referee. When Henry Paul landed the conversion, the deficit was back down to six points. Soon after, Australian Halfback, Brett Kimmorley, made a break down the right before feeding the ball inside to fullback Darren Lockyer, who crossed for another try. Rogers' third successful kick made it 18-6 to the defending champions. However, the Kiwis quickly struck back when Tonie Carroll beat several Australian defenders to score. Henry Paul's conversion made it 18-12.

New Zealand then made several cruical errors and Australia were able to capitalise. Sailor grabbed two tries in the space of five minutes to take his tally for the tournament to 10. The first of them came on 63 minutes courtesy of a reverse pass from Gidley. Rogers missed the second of the two quick conversions. Skipper Fittler then breached the New Zealand defence on 73 minutes to score his first try of the final which was converted by Rogers. Substitute Trent Barrett then finished the scoring, with a try that was converted by Rogers.

External links

• 2000 World Cup Final at bbc.co.uk
• 2000 World Cup at rlhalloffame.org.uk
• 2000 World Cup at rlwc2008.com
• 2000 World Cup at rugbyleagueproject.org
• 2000 World Cup at 188-rugby-league.co.uk