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'The best ever' Coach praises Kangaroos after ninth World Cup win
MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) -- Coach Chris Anderson rated his team the best ever to leave Australia after watching it win the Rugby League World Cup with a 40-12 victory over New Zealand on Saturday. It took Australia's tally of World Cups to nine including the last six in a row. Anderson said the current crop of players bear comparison with any of their all-conquering predecessors. "I think this is a super quality side," Anderson said. "It's the best side I've ever worked with and I'd say it's probably the best to ever leave Australia. "They've got so many options and have such individual talent, it's just been a joy to work with them and there's a lot more to come too." Skipper Brad Fittler, who has now played in three victorious World Cup final teams, said he had never before been so nervous before a game. "It was a pretty quiet dressing room before the game but we all lived up to expectations and everybody played well," he said. "Old Trafford was awesome. I wouldn't mind playing for Manchester United every week." Anderson was full of praise for New Zealand, which defended superbly and trailed only 18-12 with 12 minutes remaining. "There was nothing in it for an hour and after their tries they got a bit of momentum and I was sweating a bit," he said. "Frank Endacott can be proud of his boys. They asked us a question and we had to be at our best to answer it." Man-of-the-match Wendell Sailor broke the Kiwi resistance with tries in the 68th and 71st minute and also contributed some vital defensive work. Due for a switch to rugby union, the Brisbane Broncos winger ended the tournament as top try scorer with 10. He said he would be talking to his club about his future on his return to Australia but wanted to enjoy the moment at Old Trafford. "I don't think I've played in a better side and I'm just so lucky to have such quality players around me," he said. "It's just such a gifted side, just look at the players who sat out the final." Kick in guts Sailor accepted that Australia could probably put out two or even three sides which would all be competitive at international level but hoped it would never happen. "We could be like the cricket and have Australia A but to do that would be a kick in the guts for rugby league." Endacott said the game was effectively decided in the first half, even though the Kiwis trailed only 6-0 at the break. "All we did was tackle, tackle, tackle," he said. "That took its toll in the second half and the guys just ran out of juice. "We're all disappointed with the result but I am immensely proud of each and every one of the players." Endacott, who now steps down from the job, said he tried his best to stop his players' mystifying tactic of kicking to Sailor, Australia's most dangerous player. New Zealand captain Ritchie Barnett said he thought the nerves may have got to his side as they faced up to the country's second appearance in the final following its 1988 defeat by Australia. "I didn't think we played that well," he said. "We were still in it at 18-12 but we were defending all day and didn't play very good football. "But the Aussies took it to us, they are a quality side and they deserve the credit."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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