# 2000 Rugby League World Cup final

The 2000 Rugby League World Cup final was the conclusive game of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup tournament and was played between Australia and New Zealand on November 25, 2000 at Old Trafford, Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The men's final was held one day after the final of the inaugural 2000 Women's Rugby League World Cup.

## Background

The 2000 Rugby League World Cup was the twelfth staging of the Rugby League World Cup since its inauguration in 1954, and the first since the 1995 tournament. The tournament was held in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France from 28 October, culminating in the final between Australia and New Zealand on 25 November.

### Australia

    Scores and results list Australia's points tally first.
| Opposing Team | For | Against | Date | Venue | Attendance | Stage |
| England | 22 | 2 | 28 October | Twickenham Stadium, London | 33,758 | Group Stage |
| Fiji | 66 | 8 | 1 November | Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead | 4,197 | Group Stage |
| Russia | 110 | 4 | 4 November | The Boulevard, Hull | 3,044 | Group Stage |
| Samoa | 66 | 10 | 11 November | Vicarage Road, Watford | 5,404 | Quarter-final |
| Wales | 46 | 22 | 19 November | McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield | 8,114 | Semi-final |
Australia were undefeated going into the final. Their 110-4 win over Russia set a new world record test match score.

### New Zealand

    Scores and results list New Zealand's points tally first.
| Opposing Team | For | Against | Date | Venue | Attendance | Stage |
| Lebanon | 64 | 0 | 29 October | Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester | 2,496 | Group Stage |
| Cook Islands | 84 | 10 | 2 November | Madejski Stadium, Reading | 3,982 | Group Stage |
| Wales | 58 | 18 | 5 November | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff | 17,612 | Group Stage |
| France | 56 | 4 | 12 November | The Jungle, Castleford | 5,158 | Quarter-final |
| England | 49 | 6 | 18 November | Reebok Stadium, Bolton | 16,032 | Semi-final |
Like Australia, New Zealand were also undefeated going into the Final

## Summary

In a high-scoring final at Old Trafford, the Kangaroos overwhelmed their Trans-Tasman opponents. Wendell Sailor scored two 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.

## Match details

New Zealand second rower Stephen Kearney became the most capped forward in New Zealand test match history playing in his 36th test.
* 25 November 2000
| Australia | 40–12 | New Zealand |
| Tries: Gidley 26' Hindmarsh 46' Lockyer 53' Sailor (2) 66', 69' Fittler 74' Barrett 76' Goals: Rogers (6/7) | Summary | Tries: Vainikolo 50' Carroll 57' Goals: H. Paul (2/2) |
* Old Trafford, Manchester Attendance: 44,329 Referee: Stuart Cummings Player of the Match: Wendell Sailor
| Australia | Posit. | New Zealand |
| Darren Lockyer | FB | Richie Barnett (c) |
| Mat Rogers | WG | Nigel Vagana |
| Adam MacDougall | CE | Tonie Carroll |
| Matt Gidley | CE | Willie Talau |
| Wendell Sailor | WG | Lesley Vainikolo |
| Brad Fittler (c) | SO | Henry Paul |
| Brett Kimmorley | SH | Stacey Jones |
| Shane Webcke | PR | Craig Smith |
| Andrew Johns | HK | Richard Swain |
| Robbie Kearns | PR | Quentin Pongia |
| Gorden Tallis | SR | Matt Rua |
| Bryan Fletcher | SR | Stephen Kearney |
| Scott Hill | LF | Ruben Wiki |
| Trent Barrett | Res | Robbie Paul |
| Nathan Hindmarsh | Res | Joe Vagana |
| Darren Britt | Res | Nathan Cayless |
| Jason Stevens | Res | Logan Swann |
| Chris Anderson | Coach | Frank Endacott |

### First half

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 video referee Gerry Kershaw 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.

### Second half

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 crucial 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.