History of the Rugby League World Cup

We look back from at the history of the Rugby League World Cup. Australia are the dominant nation, winning nine of the 13 tournaments.

2000

Australia were crowned world champions for a sixth successive time after overcoming the brave challenge of New Zealand in Manchester. In an epic final at Old Trafford, the Kangaroos showed true class in seeing off their fierce rivals, who had been tipped to cause an upset. Winger Wendell Sailor stole the headlines with two great tries, but Mat Rogers had an almost faultless afternoon with the boot as Chris Anderson's side ran out 40-12 winners. England were beaten by Australia in the Group Stage, they toppled Ireland in the quarter-finals before suffering an embarrassing 49-6 loss to New Zealand in the semis at Bolton's Reebok Stadium. It was England's biggest defeat in the team's history.

2008

Australia entered the 2008 World Cup on the back of six straight successes and were the clear favourites to win even more silverware on home soil. The hosts coasted through the Group Stages conceding just 16 points from their three matches, including a 30-6 triumph over New Zealand. England stuttered through Group A before being eliminated by the Kiwis, who upset the odds and stunned Australia in the final at Lang Park. Tries from legend Darren Lockyer and David Williams put Australia in control at 10-0 up. Scores from Jeremy Smith and Jerome Ropati put New Zealand in front, but Lockyer's second of the game restored parity. Lance Hohaia's close-range effort put the visitors back in front before the unthinkable happened in the 60th minute. Full-back Billy Slater was going into touch and inexplicably tossed the ball behind him in an attempt to retain possession, but it only served to allow Benji Marshall the chance to collect the loose ball and touch down. Greg Inglis reduced the arrears from Lockyer's long pass, but the Kiwis finished in the ascendancy. Nathan Fien's grubber kick bounced awkwardly for Joel Monaghan who tackled Lance Hohaia without the ball over the try line giving New Zealand a penalty try. The Kiwis added the icing on the cake with five minutes left when Adam Blair touched down following a scrappy period of play.