The 1972 Rugby League World Cup final was the conclusive game of the 1972 Rugby League World Cup tournament and was played between Great Britain and Australia on 11 November 1972 at the Stade de Gerland ground in Lyon, France. The final was played before 4,231 fans who witnessed what is (as of 2020) the last British team to win the Rugby League World Cup.
Background
The 1972 Rugby League World Cup was the sixth staging of the Rugby League World Cup since its inauguration in 1954, and the first since the 1970 tournament. The tournament was held in the France from 28 October, culminating in the final between Great Britain and Australia on 11 November.
Great Britain
Scores and results list Australia's points tally first. Opposing Team For Against Date Venue Attendance Stage 27 21 29 October Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan 6,300 Group Stage 13 4 1 November Stade Lesdiguières, Grenoble 13,231 Group Stage 53 19 4 November Stade du Hameau, Pau 7,500 Group Stage
Great Britain were undefeated going into the final.
Australia
Scores and results list Great Britain's points tally first. Opposing Team For Against Date Venue Attendance Stage 21 27 29 October Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan 6,300 Group Stage 9 5 1 November Parc des Princes, Paris 8,000 Group Stage 5 19 5 November Stadium Municipal, Toulouse 10,332 Group Stage
Match details
FB 1 Paul CharltonRW 2 Clive Sullivan (c)RC 3 Chris HeskethLC 4 John WalshLW 5 John AtkinsonSO 6 John HolmesSH 7 Steve NashPR 8 Terry ClawsonHK 9 Mike StephensonPR 10 David JeanesSR 11 Phil LoweSR 12 Brian LockwoodLF 13 George NichollsSubstitutions:IC 14 Bob IrvingCoach: Jim Challinor FB 1 Graeme Langlands (c)RW 2 John GrantRC 3 Mark HarrisLC 4 Geoff StarlingLW 5 Ray BranighanFE 6 Bob FultonHB 7 Dennis WardPR 8 John O'NeillHK 9 Elwyn WaltersPR 10 Bob O'ReillySR 11 Arthur BeetsonSR 12 Gary StevensLK 13 Gary SullivanSubstitutions:IC 14 Fred JonesCoach: Harry Bath
The game received a poor attendance of only 4,231 spectators with the French public seemingly uninterested in a final that did not involve French, as evident by the fact only games involving France drew crowds of over 10,000. In fact, the final drew the lowest attendance of the tournament.1972 RLWC at Rugby League Project
The game, however, proved a memorable one for both Great Britain and Australia; seeing Great Britain captain Clive Sullivan's long distance try,Paddy McAteer (22 December 2010) "Whole World in their Hands" North West Evening Mail and Australia's "greatest try never scored", by fullback Graeme Langlands. The try was disallowed by French referee Georges Jameau for offside but was later proved to be onside. Great Britain hooker Mike Stephenson scored the 73rd-minute try that helped level the scores and secure the World Cup.
Australia winger Ray Branighan missed his 79th-minute penalty, Bob Fulton failed three drop goal attempts in the last five minutes, resulting in a 10–10 scoreline at full time. Scores were again level after extra time.1972 World Cup final highlights
References