Rugby League World Cup : 1970

GB vs Australia

Great Britain had gone on tour to Australia earlier in the year and come from a match down to win the series 2-1. They had a formidable side. The 1970 World Cup was held in England so some home town advantage as well.  So just two years after the last one, it was on again. The games were not played in rounds but were jumbled up.

Australia easily accounted for New Zealand 47-11 at Wigan before 10,000 spectators. Goal kicker Eric Simms bagged another ten goal haul. Unusually Australia then played GB in the second game but lost this one 4-11, with only one try being scored. A disappointing 15,000 came along to watch. NZ then took on France and sweaked home 16-15. 4,000 at Hull witnessed the occasion.

9,000 attendees braved poor conditions in Castleford to see GB overcome France 6-0. Three day later GB went to Swinton to host NZ. The 5,600 people enjoyed a more open game and the home team prevailed 27-17. In the final game of the round robin, France snatched a 17-15 victory over Australia. The 6,500 fans at Bradford got their money's worth in a very entertaining game.

So GB went through undefeated and their opponents, Australia managed to join then thanks to goal difference only. 19,000 turned up at Leeds to see the clash. The match itself was apparently an 80 minute brawl. GB had much more of the chances but couldn't capitalise while Australia took what little they had to come out victors 12-7.

Had France not lost by a point against NZ, they would have been in the final. The difference between success and failure in sport can be a fine line. GB was the best side there, but sometimes the best team doesn't win a tournament. Taking your chance on the day is what matters.

The next in the series (1972) can be accessed by clicking here.
The first in the series (1954) can be seen by clicking here.

1970 HOSTS : ENGLAND -- WINNER : AUSTRALIA
1st Round				2nd Round				3rd Round				GBR	6	+23	FINAL
AUS	47	GBR	11	NZL	16	GBR	6	GBR	27	FRA	17	AUS	2	+27	AUS	12
NZL	11	AUS	4	FRA	15	FRA	0	NZL	17	AUS	15	FRA	2	-5	GBR	7
												NZL	2	-45