As an Aussie who's been following RL since the late 70s, I don't try to compare across the decades. This team was the best available this year. By the 30-minute mark they completely owned the middle of the paddock. Forwards were running 10 metres to the tacklers then getting another 5 metres after the contact. This shows outstanding levels of fitness and commitment.

One of the best examples of commitment was Vatuvei's run down the touch line. There were 4 or 5 OZ players there to push him into touch - and they wer already 20 points ahead. Sure Vatuvei ran the wrong line but the inside defenders still made the effort to get there.

As for the quality of Brit players, fan and pundit surveys in AUS media regularly include Sam Burgess in the Top 10 and usually Graham in the Top 15.

It wasn't on one game. I explicitly referenced their performances across the whole competition.

Nor did I make any assumptions. Merely offered an opinion.

Most people on this thread have managed to offer their own opinion, either in agreement or disagreement, in a civil, rasonable manner. Like adults discussing something of interest.

You decided to just go straight for the personal insults. Nicely done. Congratulations on your contribution.

The way this discussion has gone reminded me of a video clip from a popular video clip site.

Searching for something like "Jarryd Hayne's Freakish Chip" could bring something up.

Always thought Thurston was overrated,( in an all time list) very very good but not great, my opinion has changed over this World Cup I now think he is up there with the very best, 3 rd behind Johns and sterling for me now, ahead of Langer. And he still as a few years ahead of him.

2013
Australia conceded 4 tries all tournament....272-24.......45-4 average WINNERS

2008.
Australia conceded 3 tries in pool play (9 in total)186-50....37-8 average SECOND

2000
Australia 3 tries in pool play (11 in total)...308-58 over 6 games...51-10 average WINNERS

89-92
Australia conceded 11 tries over 5 games......214-54...... 43-11 average WINNERS

980-186..........44-8 average.

I'd say that based on the last 4 RLWC's the current champions are the most efficient with an average winning margin of 41 points and conceding only 1 try per game on average.....in reality, 5 games they conceded no tries! The 2000 side did score more points, but the 2013 side did face far more professional players from the NRL/SL representing Fiji/Ireland/USA than they did in 2000.

The depressing thing is that even with their loss in 2008, they are the most dominant force in International sport that I can think of....