They destroyed their competition in respective World Cups and dominated all before them. In 2000, Australia demolished New Zealand in the final 40-12 at Old Trafford. Thirteen years later, the Kangaroos were at it again, this time hammering the Kiwis at the same venue 34-2.

But which team stands taller as we look back on history? Is it Brad Fittler’s 2000 version of the Aussies or Cameron Smith’s team which boasted the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis?

We break them down, position-by-position, to find out which Kangaroos team wins the day.

 
Darren Lockyer v Billy Slater
This is a tricky one to begin with. Lockyer was at the peak of his fullback powers in 2000 and it would be many years before Wayne Bennett would switch him into the halves. Slater in 2013 was the undisputed king of the fullbacks and probably surpasses Lockyer as a custodian.
Verdict: Slater

Mat Rogers v Brett Morris
Both were awesome finishes and scored plenty of points for the Kangaroos but were very different wingers. Morris had power and size while Rogers relied more on guile and evasion. We’re going with Rogers. The man could play anywhere in the backline and kick goals.
Verdict: Rogers

Adam MacDougall v Greg Inglis
This one isn’t fair to ‘Mad Dog’. Greg Inglis is arguably the greatest centre to ever play the game while MacDougall played most of his footy on the wing. Sorry Doogs, this goes to G.I.
Verdict: Inglis

Matt Gidley v Jarryd Hayne
Wow, this one is intriguing. Like MacDougall, Hayne isn’t a centre but made the most of it at the 2013 World Cup with a mighty tournament. Then you compare that one tournament against everything Gidley did throughout his career. People forget how good Gidley was. We’re going with Gidley.
Verdict: Gidley

Wendell Sailor v Darius Boyd
What a headache for Darius. While he’d undoubtedly hold his own against Sailor, it’s hard to not pick the the big winger who made a career out of giving opponents nightmares. Size, speed, aggression. Wendell Sailor!
Verdict: Sailor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUeAOs91i14

Brad Fittler v Johnathan Thurston
What a mouth-watering contest between two of the best playmakers in the history of the game. Fittler is one of the best but Thurston is going to be an Immortal.
Verdict: Thurston

Brett Kimmorley v Cooper Cronk
Two Storm halfbacks going at it. Kimmorley and Cronk have very similar styles and while Kimmorley kept Andrew Johns out of the 7 jersey for a few years, Cronk deserves our selection.
Verdict: Cronk

Shane Webcke v Matt Scott
We may as well put red hats on two bulls and let ‘em run into each other at a million miles an hour! Two fantastic Queensland props from two different eras. For all Scott has achieved, we’re backing big ‘Webby’.
Verdict: Webcke

Andrew Johns v Cameron Smith
An Immortal halfback against a future Immortal hooker. Is this not the impossible question? Johns at dummy half hurts his chances against a man that has made the Kangaroos hooking role his own for what seems an eternity. Smith gets our nod.
Verdict: Smith

Robbie Kearns v James Tamou
Two completely different front rowers. Kearns was a bustling, stocky prop who got through plenty of work. Tamou on the other hand is a skyscraper with foot work at the line. Tamou for us.
Verdict: Tamou

Gorden Tallis v Greg Bird
Unfortunately for Bird, Mr. Tallis ticks all the boxes in this battle. A Raging Bull will always squash the Bird.
Verdict: Tallis

Bryan Fletcher v Sam Thaiday
What a great player Fletch was – had a real silkiness to his play. Thaiday however has the ability to play on the edge or do the tough stuff up the guts.
Verdict: Thaiday

Scott Hill v Paul Gallen
Can you get two more opposite locks? Hill was always a five-eigth but could get away with playing at lock in the 2000 team because of the size around him. Gallen was warrior. A real gladiator.
Verdict: Gallen

Bench
Barrett, Hindmarsh, Britt, Stevens v Cherry-Evans, Papalii, Fifita, Parker
The 2013 bench really does stand out in this battle doesn’t it? X-factor everywhere and a little halfback who had the world at his feet back in ’13 in DCE.
Verdict: 2013 bench

Final tally
2000: 5

2013: 9