By John Davidson, (RLP RLWC Correspondent) Date: 2/12/13
Australian captain Cameron Smith has revealed that beating New Zealand to win the 2013 World Cup has partly erased some of the bitter feelings of losing the 2008 final.
Five years ago the Kangaroos were stunned in the final where the Kiwis romped home in a huge upset to win the World Cup in Brisbane. All along at this tournament Smith has refuted claims that revenge was on the Aussies minds.
But in the post-match press conference Smith did admit that winning this World has helped somewhat put that shock defeat in 2008 to be.
“I probably told a little white lie on the way there that this didn’t mean much against what happened in 2008, but standing there on that field after the match I think a little bit of that disappointement from 2008 is erased.”
Smith has enjoyed a stellar career at club, Origin and international level but believes the World Cup win is different.
“This is its own thing,” he said.
“I don’t want to compare it to Origin or grand finals. This is something you dream of as a kid, winning a World Cup for Australia. Every time you pull on this jersey is a special moment in your football career. Tonight couldn’t have gone any better for us. We worked hard, we worked hard for the past four weeks in preparation for this game and it’s pleasing when that final siren goes to know that all your hard work has counted for something.”
Head coach Tim Sheens said the near-perfect performance of this Australian side at Old Trafford was the best of any Kangaroos side he has seen in his time.
“The seniority in the team today really stood up,” he said.
“Apparently we were the oldest Australian side ever to play against England, ever, so the veterans stood up today. It was a great occasion, a terrific atmosphere, fantastic to play at the Theatre of Dreams.”
