• Podcast
  • ARL
    • Indigenous All Stars v NRL All Stars
    • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • NRL
    • 2025 NRL Draw
    • 2024 NRL Draw
    • 2023 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Draw
    • 2021 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Podcast
    • 2020 NRL Draw
    • 2015 NRL Draw
    • 2014 NRL Draw
  • ESL
    • International Origin
    • Challenge Cup
  • World
    • World Club Challenge
    • World Cup
    • Rugby League 9’s
    • NRL Auckland Nines Draw
  • Sports
    • AFL
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
  • Guest Writers
  • League Freak
    • NRL Tipping Experts
    • Web Site News
    • Sponsorship
    • Uncategorized

The Glorious League Freak – Covering Rugby League World Wide – LeagueFreak.com

  • Home
  • Podcast
  • NRL Rumours
  • RL World 9’s
  • Features
    • Player Profiles And News
  • History
    • History Books
    • The Super League War
      • The Super League War – The Clubs
      • The Super League War – The Freak
      • The Super League War – The Extras
  • Quotes
  • Look-Alikes
  • Teams
  • Rankings
  • Media
  • About
    • Bio
    • League Freaks Commentary Career
    • Contact
    • League Freak On Twitter
    • I Am Not A Journalist
    • Contribute To LeagueFreak.com
    • League Freak Mentions In The Media
    • Advertise On This Website
    • Rugby League RSS Feed
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Google+
    • RSS Feed
    • Linked
    • Youtube

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup Final Preview – Australia vs New Zealand

Nov 30, 2013 League Freak World Cup News 0


And so we meet again…

If you think the 2013 Rugby League World Cup final is just another game, you are very much mistaken. This game is carrying a legacy for many of the greatest players in a generation. This game will dictate whether or not history will look back on certain players and judge them cruelly with the phrase “But he never managed to win a World Cup”.

New Zealand are the current world Cup holders but few of their current squad were in the team that managed to win the final in Brisbane back in 2008. That game produced a moment in which the Rugby League world shifted on its axis.

Since the early 1970’s Australia had dominated Rugby League. There was no question that Australia produced the games truly elite players. The brilliance of the Australian team was matched by its depth. You could select three or four teams that would beat the rest of the world. No one could match the Kangaroos.

The potential was always there for New Zealand. They had produced some great players over the history of the game but very few of them could honestly state that they stood alongside their Australian counterparts in terms of talent. New Zealand had it moments from time to time, but at the end of the day Australia always came back to crush them.

A turning point came in 1995 when the Auckland Warriors were added to the Australian club competition. While the Warriors struggled on and off the field for many year, the fact that New Zealand players had such a clear pathway to the elite club competition in the game helped.

Ironically it wasn’t just about Auckland Warriors and the players they produced. The influx of talent into the National Rugby League once the Warriors entered the competition started to increase over the years. As the number of New Zealanders in the NRL increased a number of truly elite players stated to emerge.

Where one the very best New Zealanders were oddities who did one or two things very well but whose overall games were found out at test level, now New Zealand stated to produce great all round footballers. Gone were the days when you knew the Kiwi’s fitness would let them down after 60 minutes or their poor mobility would make them vulnerable around the ruck. Now the Kiwi’s were started to test Australia.

The 2005 Tri Nations final was a shocking moment for the game. Australia had not lost a series of any kind since 1978. New Zealand’s crushing 24-0 win over the Kangaroo’s was like nothing a generation of supporters has ever seen before. Over the next few seasons however normal programming seemed to resume. Australia started to crush New Zealand once more. The Kiwi’s needed to make changes….

The 2008 World Cup was interesting in that at the time the competition was being played no one expected anything other than a dominant Australian victory. Australia had not just beaten teams during the World Cup, they had unmercifully crushed them. In the final, New Zealand were going to be little more than a faceless opponent that would allow Australia to claim a moment of triumph on home soil.

New Zealand had other ideas…

The 2008 World Cup final was one of the greatest game I have ever witnessed. It started from the Haka when New Zealand crossed the half way line and got right in Australia’s face. This was a Kiwi’s side that was ready to show Australia that they would not be the dominated any more.

The game is notable not just for New Zealand’s brilliance, but the fact Australia played its guts out. This wasn’t a win over an opponent that collapsed. This was a New Zealand victory over a great Australian side who was in form, playing well, playing on home soil and who had no excuses.

The 2005 Tri Nations final was great, but the 2008 World Cup final was the true moment in which New Zealand Rugby League finally stood tall. The Kiwi’s were crowned the World Champions, a title they still hold.

They Kiwi’s backed up their 2008 World Cup victory with an incredible win in the 2010 Four Nations final, also held in Brisbane. The once unbeatable Australian Rugby League team were now being beaten on home soil and when it really counted.

That brings us to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup final…

New Zealand are the kings of Rugby League right now. They are the standard-bearers. They are the level that every one needs to meet if they want to achieve anything. They are the side that comes through when it matters. The team that plays with an edge no one else can match. They are the side that will break you, even if it takes them 79 minutes to do so.

The Australian Kangaroos are a great team. They have, conservatively, three future immortals in their ranks. They have a lineup of players who will define a generation of the game.

History doesn’t judge great players on what they do in club football. History judges great players on what they do against the best of the best in international Rugby League.

You have a lineup of Australian players whose careers will be defined by the result in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup final. You have a lineup of New Zealand players who have an opportunity to stamp their complete and utter dominance of the game into the history books.

There is more than just a trophy on the line tonight. We are about to witness history. A judgement is about to be made on a number of the best players the game has ever seen.

I have said for a number of years now that I believe New Zealand will win this final. I think their forward pack the best in the world by a long way, I think their halves are settled, I think their backline has the ability to do something special when needed and I think Issac Luke has the ability to carve Australia up when it matters.

While Australia has clearly has the second best forward pack in the world I do worry about their ability to go forward through the Kiwi defense. I worry about Johnathan Thurston’s form. I’m concerned about Billy Slater going into the game carrying a knee injury. Australia may come out with a very special performance, they still have that in them. They do look vulnerable to me though, and that is a concern.

One thing that can cancel out all of the above is Greg Inglis.

Greg Inglis is walking among giants in Rugby League history. We have rarely ever seen a player who was as dominant as Greg Inglis can be. In my lifetime I have only seen three players who, when they decide to stand up and destroy the opposition, there is no beating them.

Wally Lewis, Andrew Johns and Greg Inglis.

If Greg Inglis comes out and put on a special performance in the World Cup final, New Zealand will not be able to stop him. That is not a slight against New Zealand, that is just how good Greg Inglis is. Inglis can win tonight’s World Cup final for Australia and stamp himself as a true great of the game.

I hope you all enjoy the 2013 Rugby League World Cup final. I’ve really enjoyed the competition. I think we will see a fitting end to the tournament tonight. We have two great teams, both undefeated, and both with a lot on the line.

  • Tweet
  • Share 0
  • Reddit
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn 0
  • Email

Related


  • Andrew Johns, Australia, Greg Inglis, Jonathan Thurston, New Zealand, Rugby League History, Wally Lewis, World Cup, World Cup Final
  • tweet
Australia Wins The 2013 Rugby League World Cup!!! Daniel Nichols - Rugby League World Cup Final Preview

League Freak

A well known Rugby League writer, League Freak has established a reputation among supporters of the game for his fearless commentary and unmatched insight. With a reach that spans both sides of the globe, League Freak has produced an independent network that allows him to distribute content to his many thousands of followers. He is the owner and main author of LeagueFreak.com

Related articles
  • The Most Successful Nations in the History of the Rugby League World Cup
    The Most Successful Nations in the...

    Jan 21, 2023 0

  • Why the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Was Such A Success
    Why the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Was...

    Dec 22, 2022 0

  • Rating Everything About The 2022 Rugby League World Cup Out Of Ten
    Rating Everything About The 2022 Rugby...

    Nov 24, 2022 0


You must log in to post a comment.

League Freaks Social Network

Follow League Freak on:

Become a Patron!

Ziad Warwar
Nadine
Coojee
Adam
Andy
jamescunni
Lisa
Rugby League Project
Karsten Brumme
Samuel
Sandy
Katey
Jack
Terry
Gibbo

RSS Fergo and The Freak Podcast

  • There's Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby League Today!
  • The 2023 NRL Season Preview
  • The First #AskKenty Of 2023
  • League Freak HUMILIATED As St Helens Beat Penrith To Win The World Club Challenge
  • Street Food In Castleford And The Patron Saint Of Divorce
  • We Will Learn A Lot This Season
  • Breaking In The New Studio As We Talk About Rugby League!
  • Getting Your Kids Into Rugby League With Julie
  • Taken Completely Out Of Context
  • 2022 Fergo and The Freak Christmas Special
  • Fixing S**t Lists Put Out By Fox Sports
  • Rating Everything About The 2022 Rugby League World Cup Out Of Ten
  • Where Have These Two Been?
  • The 2022 Rugby League World Cup Isn't Supposed To Be A Training Run...
  • The Truth About The 2022 Rugby League World Cup!

Polls

In The On Field Quality Of Super League Games Getting Better Or Worse?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...
  • Polls Archive

Latest Rugby League Articles

  • Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and Development in Other Countries
    Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and...

    Mar 17, 2023 0

  • Podcast: There’s Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby League Today!
    Podcast: There’s Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby...

    Mar 15, 2023 0

  • The Panthers Attack Needs To Evolve Or They Will Struggle To Win The Threepeat
    The Panthers Attack Needs To Evolve Or They Will Struggle To...

    Mar 06, 2023 0

  • The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament
    The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament

    Mar 04, 2023 0

  • Podcast: The 2023 NRL Season Preview
    Podcast: The 2023 NRL Season Preview

    Mar 02, 2023 0

Follow League Freak on Twitter

My Tweets

Tags

Andrew Ferguson (375) ARL (62) Australia (159) Benji Marshall (90) Billy Slater (78) Broadcasting Deal (68) Cameron Smith (60) Channel 9 (74) Daniel Nichols (122) Disgrace (77) Eligibility Rules (64) England (143) Expansion (85) Fergo And The Freak (466) Greg Inglis (100) Guest Writer (337) Israel Folau (71) Jarryd Hayne (78) Johnathan Thurston (82) League Freak (537) Leeds Rhinos (59) Marketing (67) Matthew Elliott (71) Mitchell Pearce (64) New South Wales (106) New Zealand (143) NRL Finals (63) NRL Salary Cap (96) Paul Gallen (64) Phil Gould (59) Player Movement (132) Podcast (490) Queensland (84) Referees (78) RFL (144) Rugby League History (78) Rugby Union (209) Sam Burgess (63) Sonny Bill Williams (91) State Of Origin (181) St Helens (69) Todd Carney (62) Wayne Bennett (83) Wigan (59) World Cup (182)
As featured on NewsNow: NRL newsNRL News 24/7

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Blogroll

  • The Glorious League Freak.
  • League Freak on Twitter
  • League Freak on Facebook
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours
  • RLWorld9s.com

Facebook Pages

  • NRL Gossip
  • NRL Infinite

Features

  • King Of Rugby League
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • Biggest Winning Margins In Rugby League History
  • Biggest Crowds In Rugby League History
  • Rugby League Quotes
  • Rugby League Dictionary
  • The Super League War
  • The New Zealand Haka
  • Funny Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League Rankins Lists
  • NRL Rumours
  • IHateRugbyUnion.com
  • NRL History
  • NRL History Books
  • Record Books
  • Player Profiles

NBA Links

  • NBA Rookie Of The Year
  • NBA MVP Winner List
  • NBA Finals MVPs

Other Links

  • Submit Your Australian Blog
  • Best Junk Hauling Virginia
  • Gutter Cleaning Service Virginia
  • Best Lawn Mowing Service Virginia
  • 2020 NRL Draw
  • Hot Toys Australia

Other Sports

  • Clutch Fans
  • Sportette

Players

  • Cameron Smith
  • Kalyn Ponga
  • Sonny Bill Williams
  • Jarryd Hayne
  • Andrew Johns
  • Semi Radradra
  • Sam Burgess
  • Benji Marshall
  • James Tedesco
  • Cooper Cronk
  • Johnathan Thurston
  • Anthony Mundine
  • Sam Tomkins
  • Greg Inglis
  • Jamie Peacock
  • Ntahan Cleary

Rugby League

  • Rugby League Project
  • Era Of The Biff
  • Darryl's Rugby League
  • Jamie Lyon Web
  • Rugby League Review
  • Rugby League Ratings
  • NRL CEO Fantasy League
  • QLD Panthers
  • Andrew Ferguson's Website!
  • Black Swans RLFC
  • InternationalRL
  • 2021 Rugby League World Cup
  • Rugby League Mums
  • Player Profiles
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • Watch NRL Games Online
  • NRL Tipping Experts

Rugby League Podcast

  • Best Rugby League Podcast
  • Best NRL Podcast
  • Best Super League Podcast
  • Best Australian Podcast
  • Best Sports Podcast
  • Funniest Podcast
  • Best Comedy Podcast
  • NRL Radio
  • 2021 NRL Podcast
  • Spotify NRL Podcasts
Google+
  • National Rugby League
  • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • Brisbane Broncos
  • Canberra Raiders
  • Canterbury Bulldogs
  • Cronulla Sharks
  • Gold Coast Titans
  • Manly Sea Eagles
  • Melbourne Storm
  • The 2029 Rugby League World Cup
  • New Zealand Warriors
  • Newcastle Knights
  • North Queensland Cowboys
  • Parramatta Eels
  • Penrith Panthers
  • Redcliffe Dolphins
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs
  • St George/Illawarra Dragons
  • Sydney Roosters
  • Wests Tigers
  • The King Of Rugby League Awards
  • Rugby League Player Profiles And News
  • Fantasy Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League World Rankings
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • International Rugby League News
  • National Rugby League
  • European Super League News
  • Featured Guest Writers
  • Other Sports
  • The 2021 NRL Draw
  • The 2022 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Listed For You!!!
  • The 2023 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Is Here!!!
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • NRL Player Profiles
  • NRL Instagram
  • The 2025 NRL Draw – Every Game, Every Venue, Every Club!
  • NRL Tipping Experts
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming
Copyright LeagueFreak.com 2022 / All rights reserved
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming