How good is this Roos side?

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THE greatest Kangaroos side ever? Or a pumped-up team who totally outclassed rugby league minnows?

Debate has started as to where this World Cup-winning side will rate in the Kangaroos' 105-year history.

Fox Sport Stats have complied data on Australia's World Cup, which culminated in a 34-2 win over New Zealand in Sunday morning's final.

In their final five matches - against New Zealand, USA, Fiji, Ireland and England - the Kangaroos scored 244 points to 4, ran in 43 tries to nil and made 235 tackle busts to 42.

Australia missed an average of 8.4 tackles a game. Their opposition missed an average of 47 tackles a match.

"This is a magnificent team,'' said Gary Belcher, who played 15 Tests for Australia. ''I think it is one of the best we have seen.

Johnathan Thurston, Tim Sheens and Cameron Smith celebrate with the Rugby League World Cup after victory over New Zealand in the final. Source: Getty Images

''It's hard to think of a player that doesn't belong there or isn't world class. They have everything.

''It is difficult to compare to sides that had John Raper, Reg Gasnier and Graeme Langlands in it. And the 1982 Invincibles. But I think this side is in the same class.''

Graham Eadie played 20 Tests for Australia between 1974 and 1979, agreed the current team was among the best.

''I think so, they are definitely a great side,'' Eadie said. ''They went through undefeated in their games.

''But when you compare to the 1982 and 1986 sides, those sides played more than 20 games on tour.

''In 1973, we only lost two games and played 30-odd matches. But this side didn't have a try scored against them for the last five games and that is something. Defensive-wise, they were great.

''And it wasn't a bad New Zealand side they played in the final. They also beat England too.''