2000 Rugby League World Cup
The 2000 Rugby League World Cup 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 that 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 Rugby League World Cup title. Australian winger Wendell Sailor was named player of the tournament.
2000 | Rugby League 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) |
Summary
Building on the 1995 Rugby League World Cup, 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.[1]
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.[2] The tournament's organisers also attracted criticism regarding marketing and ticketing. For 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.
There were however some positives: the tournament returned a profit of more than £2m despite the small crowds it attracted;[3] 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[4] 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
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
The 2000 World Cup tournament features 16 teams:
- 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 Steve O'Neill and Andy Kelly 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
- Aotearoa 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 Danny Russell
- 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
Venues
The games were played at various venues in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France.
The Twickenham Stadium in London, the home of the English rugby union was the host stadium for the opening ceremony and match featuring hosts England and defending champions Australia.[5]
Group Stage
Results
Starting player | |
Substitute |
This was the first rugby league match to be played at Twickenham Stadium, London's home of rugby union.[6]
, 29 October |
Fiji | 38–12 | Russia |
---|---|---|
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. Atunasia 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.
1 November 2000 |
Australia | 66–8 | Fiji |
---|---|---|
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. Atunasia Vunivialu.
Substitutes: Tokarei, Navugona, Takayawa, Wawavamia.
1 November 2000 |
England | 76–4 | Russia |
---|---|---|
Try: Sinfield (3), Jamie Peacock (2), Long (2), Rowley (2), Walker, Stephenson, Hay, Deacon, Pryce Con: Farrell (5), Long (5) |
Pen: Mitrofanov (2) |
4 November 2000 |
England | 66–10 | Fiji |
---|---|---|
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) |
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 |
Results
, 29 October |
New Zealand | 64–0 | Lebanon |
---|---|---|
Try: Jones (2), Carroll (2), Vainikolo (2), Talau (2), Barnett (2), Swain, Jellick Con: Jones (6), Paul (2) |
New Zealand:
1. Richie 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. Ruben Wiki.
Substitutes: Joe 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.
, 29 October |
Wales | 38–6 | Cook Islands |
---|---|---|
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.
2 November 2000 |
New Zealand | 84–10 | Cook Islands |
---|---|---|
Try: Vaealiki (2), Paul (2), Barnett (2), Lavea (2), Lauiti'iti, Vainikolo, Wiki, Cayless, Pongia, Vagana, Puletua Con: Lavea (12/15) |
Try: Noovao Iro Con: Piakura (1/2) |
2 November 2000 |
Wales | 24–22 | Lebanon |
---|---|---|
Try: Harris (2), Davies, Cunningham, Sterling Con: Harris (2/5) |
Try: Saleh (2), Coorey El Masri Con: El Masri (3/4) |
5 November 2000 |
Cook Islands | 22–22 | Lebanon |
---|---|---|
Try: Berryman (2), Toa, Joe Con: Berryman (2) Piakura |
Try: El Masri (2), Touma, Saleh Con: El Masri (3/4) |
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 |
Results
, 28 October |
Papua New Guinea | 23–20 | France |
---|---|---|
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: mother, Alex Krewanty, Norman, Mondo.
This was the first match of a double-header in Paris for the opening round.
, 28 October |
Tonga | 66–18 | South Africa |
---|---|---|
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. Paul 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: David 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 Matete
Before the match a statue honouring French rugby league legend, Puig Aubert was unveiled by the French Rugby League Federation at the stadium.[13]
, 1 November |
France | 28–8 | Tonga |
---|---|---|
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.
Tonga:
1. Paul 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.
2 November 2000 |
Papua New Guinea | 16–0 | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Try: Aila 25' (c) Wilshere 31' (c) Paiyo 52' (m) Con: Wilshere (2/3) |
5 November 2000 |
France | 56–6 | South Africa |
---|---|---|
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) ?' |
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 |
Results
The opening match of the World Cup was accompanied by heavy rain. Samoa's Fred Petersen had to be stretchered off the field after suffering a blow to the head while making a tackle 15 minutes into the second half.[14]
, 28 October |
Ireland | 30–16 | Samoa |
---|---|---|
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 Petersen, 13. Willie Poching
Substitutes: Tatupu, Kololo, Leafa, Faafili.
29 October 2000 |
Scotland | 16–17 | Aotearoa Māori |
---|---|---|
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. Danny Russell (Captain), 10. Laughton, 11. Scott Logan, 12. Cram, 13. Adrian Vowles.
Substitutes: David Maiden, Matt Crowther, Wayne McDonald, Shaw.
Coach: Shaun McRae
New Zealand Māori: 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: McDonald (40). Sin Bin: Nikau (40).
Scotland's loose forward, Adrian Vowles was sent to the sin bin midway 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.
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
Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Final | ||||||||
11 November – Leeds | ||||||||||
Ireland | 16 | |||||||||
18 November – Bolton | ||||||||||
England | 26 | |||||||||
England | 6 | |||||||||
12 November – Castleford | ||||||||||
New Zealand | 49 | |||||||||
New Zealand | 54 | |||||||||
25 November – Manchester | ||||||||||
France | 6 | |||||||||
New Zealand | 12 | |||||||||
11 November – Watford | ||||||||||
Australia | 40 | |||||||||
Australia | 66 | |||||||||
19 November – Huddersfield | ||||||||||
Samoa | 10 | |||||||||
Australia | 46 | |||||||||
12 November – Widnes | ||||||||||
Wales | 22 | |||||||||
Papua New Guinea | 8 | |||||||||
Wales | 22 | |||||||||
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
This was the England rugby league team's biggest ever loss.[18] By winning this match, New Zealand had again equaled their record for consecutive victories with five.
Wales became the first team in twelve months to score more than two tries against Australia.[19]
Try scorers
- 10
- 9
- 6
- 5
- 4
|
- 3
- 2
- Jason Croker
- Scott Hill
- Steve Berryman
- Andy Hay
- Sean Long
- Darren Rogers
- Paul Rowley
- Chev Walker
- Paul Wellens
- Frédéric Banquet
- Jean-Emmanuel Cassin
- Rachid Hechiche
- Brian Carney
- Ryan Sheridan
- Brian Jellick
- Stacey Jones
- Stephen Kearney
- Ali Lauiti'iti
- Tasesa Lavea
- Quentin Pongia
- Logan Swann
- David Vaealiki
- Boycie Nelson
- Clinton Toopi
- David Buko
- Stanley Gene
- John Wilshere
- Henry Fa'afili
- David Solomona
- Duane Mann
- Willie Mason
- Iestyn Harris
- Wes Davies
- 1
- Craig Gower
- Brett Kimmorley
- Gordon Tallis
- Shane Webcke
- Kevin Iro
- Leroy Joe
- Meti Noovao
- Karl Temata
- Tiri Toa
- Paul Deacon
- Andy Farrell
- Scott Naylor
- Leon Pryce
- Kris Radlinski
- Keith Senior
- Francis Stephenson
- Patrice Benausse
- Yacine Dekkiche
- Arnaud Dulac
- Jean-Marc Garcia
- Jérôme Guisset
- Julien Rinaldi
- Gael Tallec
- Tabua Cakacaka
- Jone Kuraduadua
- Eparama Navale
- Waisale Sovatabua
- David Barnhill
- Martin Crompton
- Michael Eagar
- Mark Forster
- Chris Joynt
- Tommy Martyn
- Steve Prescott
- Luke Ricketson
- Michael Coorey
- Travis Touma
- Richie Blackmore
- Nathan Cayless
- Henry Paul
- Tony Puletua
- Matt Rua
- Craig Smith
- David Kidwell
- Wairangi Koopu
- Steve Matthews
- Paul Rauhihi
- Hare Te Rangi
- Eddie Aila
- Marcus Bai
- Raymond Karl
- Alex Krewanty
- Adrian Lam
- Michael Mondo
- Elias Paiyo
- Lucas Solbat
- Matthew Donovan
- Robert Ilyasov
- Joel Rullis
- Monty Betham
- Willie Swann
- Danny Arnold
- Geoff Bell
- David Maiden
- Lee Penny
- Scott Rhodes
- Adrian Vowles
- Daniel Foster
- Paul Fisiiahi
- David Fisiiahi
- Lipina Kaufusi
- Talite Liava'a
- Nelson Lomi
- Esau Mann
- Martin Masella
- Willie Wolfgramm
- Leon Barnard
- Brian Best
- Coenraad Breytenbach
- Quinton De Villiers
- Paul Atcheson
- Jason Critchley
- Keiron Cunningham
- Anthony Farrell
- Mick Jenkins
- Paul Sterling
- Ian Watson
References
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- Laybourn, Ian (2000). "Wales 38 Cook Islands 6". PA Sport. sportinglife.com. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
- Hannan, Tony (2000). "France 20 Papua New Guinea 23". PA Sport. sportinglife.com. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
- Hannan, Tony (2000). "South Africa 18 Tonga 66". PA Sport. sportinglife.com. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
- Hannan, Tony (2000). "France 28 Tonga 8". PA Sport. sportinglife.com. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
- Simon Stone "Ireland weather the Samoans' storm" Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine (29 October 2000) independent.co.uk
- Longmore, Andrew (27 August 2000). "League joins peace process". The Independent. London. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
- "Rugby League Scores, Fixtures & Results - Sporting Life". www.sportinglife.com. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
- "Rugby League Scores, Fixtures & Results - Sporting Life". www.sportinglife.com. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
- Brook, Kip; NZPA (20 November 2000). "Slick Kiwis storm into final". The New Zealand Herald. New Zealand: APN Holdings NZ Limited. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
- "Welsh dragons breathe life into tournament but fail to hold on". The Herald. UK: Newsquest Media Group. 20 November 2000. p. 9. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
- Ferguson, Shawn Dollin and Andrew. "Australia vs. New Zealand - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2018.