1977 Rugby League World Cup Final

1977 (1977) Rugby League World Cup Final  ()
1 2 Total
AUS 10 3 13
GBR 7 5 12
Date 25 June 1977
Stadium Sydney Cricket Ground
Location Sydney, Australia
Referee Billy Thompson United Kingdom
Attendance 24,457
Broadcast partner
Broadcaster BBC
Commentator Eddie Waring
 < 1972
1988 > 

The 1977 Rugby League World Cup Final was the conclusive game of the 1977 Rugby League World Cup tournament and was played between Australia and Great Britain on 25 June, 1977 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia.

Background

The 1977 Rugby League World Cup was the eighth staging of the Rugby League World Cup since its inauguration in 1954, and the first since the 1972 tournament. The tournament was held in the Australia and New Zealand from 29 May, culminating in the final between Australia and Great Brtiain on 25 June.

Sydney Cricket Ground, the venue of the 1977 Rugby League World Cup final

Australia

Scores and results list Australia's points tally first.
Opposing Team For Against Date Venue Attendance Stage
 New Zealand 22 2 29 May Carlaw Park, Auckland 18,000 Group Stage
 France 21 9 11 June Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 13,231 Group Stage
 Great Britain 19 5 18 June Lang Park, Brisbane 27,000 Group Stage

Australia were undefeated going into the final.

Great Britain

Scores and results list Great Britain's points tally first.
Opposing Team For Against Date Venue Attendance Stage
 France 23 4 5 June Carlaw Park, Auckland 10,000 Group Stage
 New Zealand 30 12 12 June Addington Showground, Christchurch 9,000 Group Stage
 Australia 5 19 18 June Lang Park, Brisbane 27,000 Group Stage

Match details

25 June 1977
Australia  13 – 12  Great Britain
Tries:
Allan McMahon
Russel Gartner
John Kolc
Goals:
Michael Cronin (2/4)
[1] Tries:
Steve Pitchford
Ken Gill

Goals:
George Fairbairn (3/4)
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Attendance: 24,457
Referee/s: Billy Thompson United Kingdom
Australia Position Great Britain
Graham EadieFBGeorge Fairbairn
Allan McMahonWGStuart Wright
Michael CroninCEJohn Holmes
Russel GartnerCELes Dyl
Mark HarrisWGBill Francis
John PeardFERoger Millward (c)
John KolcHBSteve Nash
Greg Veivers PR Jimmy Thompson
Nick GeigerHKKeith Elwell
Terry Randall PR Steve Pitchford
Arthur Beetson (c) SR Len Casey
Ray Higgs SR Eddie Bowman
Greg Pierce LF Phil Hogan
Denis Fitzgerald Reserve Ken Gill
Reserve Peter Smith
Terry Fearnley Coach David Watkins

After their 19–5 win over Great Britain a week earlier at Lang Park in Brisbane (which actually drew 2,543 more fans than the Final), the Australians went into the Final as warm favourites. However, led by experienced captain Roger Millward, the Lions managed to dominate possession throughout the game, and it took a last minute try from Australian halfback John Kolc to secure the Cup in front of 24,457 spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The match was highlighted by a 60 metre try to Australian centre Russel Gartner who pounced on a dropped ball from Lions fullback George Fairbairn after a Great Britain scrum win to race away and score. Only converging defence from Gartner's opposite number Les Dyl kept him from scoring closer to the posts, giving Michael Cronin a difficult conversion which he missed and the Australian's led 8-5 going into half time.

The gritty and determined Lions were considered unlucky not to win when they were denied a near certain try late in the game by English referee Billy Thompson, who called play back for a penalty rather than play advantage. Fairbairn had the chance to give Great Britain the lead with a penalty goal, though his kick fell short and Graham Eadie took full advantage to run the ball back outside the Australian quarter line.[2]

References

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