Rugby league World Cup final: New Zealand end Australia invincibility with 34-20 win | Sport | The Guardian Close This article is 8 years old It was on Monday 27 October, after Australia had brushed aside an insipid New Zealand 30-6 in their first game of the World Cup, that the following passage appeared in Sydney's Daily Telegraph: 'If the Kangaroos comfortably beat England, the only other competitive side in the series, this weekend in Melbourne [which they did, 52-4], the engraver can start writing Australia 2008 on the giant silver World Cup.' Yesterday morning's edition of the same newspaper had resorted to selecting a Rest of the World XIII in an effort to come up with some credible opposition for the mighty, and by implication unbeatable, Kangaroos. But a few hours later, on a steamy evening in Brisbane, those Kangaroos, the World Cup trophy engraver and the vast majority of a 50,000 crowd received the shock of their lives.

The most significant upset in the history of international rugby league , given the stage and the stakes, came in the most dramatic final in the 54-year history of the code's World Cup, which included a crucial penalty-try decision by the video referee Steve Ganson - who, therefore, became, unarguably, the most influential Englishman in the competition. There was also an astonishing error by Billy Slater, the trackwork jockey turned livewire full-back, who had already been named player of the tournament and the international player of the year, only to gift a score to New Zealand's stand-off Benji Marshall with the sort of speculative pass that has been coming off for him in recent weeks. But Australia's coach, Ricky Stuart, refused to dwell on either of those pivotal incidents and instead found gracious praise for a New Zealand team whose depth had been severely tested by injuries to several senior players and the loss to rugby union of Sonny Bill Williams. 'Please don't make this too much about Australia. They were better than us tonight,' said Stuart. 'They've got their trophy in their shed.

It's not in ours.' It was, however, a night of triumph for one Australian - Wayne Bennett, the Brisbane Broncos legend who was in charge of the Kangaroos team stunned 24-0 by the Kiwis in the 2005 Tri-Nations final, and who last year agreed to work with the New Zealand coach, Stephen Kearney, in an advisory role. This victory was down to a meticulous game plan constructed by Kearney and Bennett, and followed brilliantly by a Kiwi team for whom Nathan Fien showed remarkable composure for a makeshift scrum-half, combining with the more naturally gifted Marshall to bring the best out of some under-rated forwards. But would they have won without Ganson and his penalty-try decision? That question is as impossible to answer as it is now irrelevant. The Kiwis were leading 22-20 with 10 minutes remaining when Fien's high kick bounced unkindly for Australia's wing Joel Monaghan, who then coat-hangered Lance Hohaia to prevent him grounding the ball. Slater was also in the vicinity, but Ganson, called into action by his Super League colleague Ashley Klein, was happy that Hohaia would definitely have scored without Monaghan's intervention.

Issac Luke kicked the conversion from in front of the posts that follows penalty tries and suddenly Australia had to score twice to save the game, a possibility that disappeared completely when the impressive prop Adam Blair claimed a scrappy score five minutes later. All this after Australia had taken a 10-0 lead inside 16 minutes, with Slater laying on tries for his captain Darren Lockyer and David Williams. New Zealand offered a first warning shot by hitting back to lead 12-10, with scores from the outstanding loose forward Jeremy Smith and Jerome Ropati, the latter after the first of several borderline decisions that went in their favour as Ganson ruled that the ball had been stolen from Marshall rather than pulling him up for a knock-on. But Australia still led 16-12 at half-time thanks to a stunning second try for Lockyer. He could even have had a hat-trick by half-time, but Ganson spotted that the stand-off had failed to ground the ball correctly. At the time, that hardly seemed likely to matter. But that was before one of the most memorable halves in rugby league history, which ended Australia's 33-year domination of this tournament - and left New Zealand as world champions for the first time.

Suncorp Stadium 50,599 Game rating 10/10 Referee Ashley Klein (England) Australia Slater; Monaghan, Inglis, Folau, Williams; Lockyer, Thurston; Kite, Smith, Civoniceva, Laffranchi, Stewart, Gallen Interchange Hunt, Fitzgibbon, Tupou, Watmough Tries Lockyer 2, Williams, Inglis Goals Thurston 2 New Zealand Hohaia; Perrett, Mannering, Ropati, Vatuvei; Marshall, Fien; Cayless, Leuluai, Blair, Fa'alogo, Harrison, Smith Interchange Luke, Eastwood, Rapira, Manu Tries Smith, Ropati, Hohaia, Marshall, penalty, Blair Goals Luke 3, Marshall 2 BBC SPORT | Rugby League | Australia 20-34 New Zealand Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.

Highlights - Australia 20-34 New Zealand Australia (16) 20 Tries: Lockyer (2), Williams, Inglis Goals: Thurston (2) Tries: Smith, Ropati, Hohaia, Marshall, Penalty try, Blair Goals: Luke (3), Marshall (2) New Zealand stunned Australia to win the Rugby League World Cup for the first time after a thrilling game rich in drama and controversy. The Kangaroos led 16-12 at the break, thanks largely to two tries from skipper Darren Lockyer. Lance Hohaia and Benji Marshall scores put the Kiwis 22-16 in front before Greg Inglis touched down in the corner. The Kiwis were awarded a penalty try after Joel Monagahn impeded Hohaia before Adam Blair sealed victory. It was the game that the tournament so badly needed - and the victory for New Zealand rubbished the notion that the World Cup was nothing more than a victory procession for the Kangaroos. Australia had held the trophy since 1975 and were undefeated in the current tournament, including a 30-6 win over New Zealand in their opening game.

606: DEBATE Well done to the Kiwis for a stunning second-half performance DavidAttenborough The home nation will no doubt point to crucial decisions from referee Ashley Klein and video official Steve Ganson that went against their team, but after building a 10-0 lead they only have themselves to blame after a night when they made a series of uncharacteristic errors. But the Kiwis had steadily improved through the tournament and put together a performance of skill, determination and power - and in doing so inflicted one of the greatest upsets in modern-day sport. New Zealand started the match with aggression and energy, dominating the collision and enjoying territorial advantage. Stephen Kearney's team should have translated their fine start into an early lead but Marshall - under no pressure - could not touch down Nathan Fien's beautifully weighted low kick. And the underdog's failure to score was punished in the most emphatic manner when Billy Slater's curved run took him through a gap in the New Zealand defence. The full-back, this week named world player of the year, burst forward before slipping an inside pass for Lockyer to score on his 50th international appearance.

'Wonderful' win delights Kiwi Kearney Johnathan Thurston missed the conversion but made no mistake shortly afterwards from straight in front after the Kangaroos scored again. Slater's pass out wide caught Kiwi winger Manu Vatuvei out of position and sent David Williams flying down the wing before cutting inside. Australia led 10-0 and the Kiwis were reeling. Had Lockyer not lost control as he touched down a grubber kick from Cameron Smith the final would surely have been rendered meaningless as a contest. Buoyed by the let-off, the Kiwis forced two repeat sets and Jeremy Smith got them back into the match after 24 minutes with a try of great physicality, barging through several Kangaroo tacklers before touching down under the posts. And the partisan home crowd were stunned minutes later when video referee Ganson awarded New Zealand another try after ruling that Anthony Laffranchi had raked the ball from Marshall before it came loose and bounced forward. Sika Manu pounced and broke forward before passing for Jerome Ropati to score. Isaac Luke again added the extras and the Kangaroos trailed for the first time in the tournament.

However, sloppy play from New Zealand invited pressure and a sensational phase of play from the Kangaroos, with the ball passing through a series of hands, culminated in Lockyer scoring his second try. Thurston converted and a scintillating half ended with Australia leading 16-12. The Kiwis, helped by uncharacteristic handling errors from the Australians, regained the lead when Lockyer bought Lance Hohaia's dummy and the full-back barged over. New Zealand had the bit between their teeth, an attitude perfectly illustrated when Kangaroos winger Williams was dragged several metres into touch by several Kiwis. New Zealand defended with incredible enthusiasm Their enthusiasm boiled over and Australia capitalised on a penalty to almost retake the lead. Israel Folau brilliantly collected a low pass but was held up by Hohaia - and within minutes New Zealand extended their advantage thanks to a catastrophic error from the otherwise imperious Slater. The full-back collected a deep kick and, under pressure from Vatuvei close to the touchline, Slater threw the ball blindly towards his own try line and Marshall scooped it up to score unopposed. Marshall missed with the conversion but nonetheless his team led 22-16.

Inglis scored in the corner after a brilliant looping pass from Lockyer before Ganson's moment of controversy. Monaghan undoubtedly took out Hohaia as he closed in on Fien's kick but Slater did appear to be in a position to challenge for the loose ball. Marshall converted from in front of the posts while chants of "Kiwi, Kiwi" sounded from the stands. Everybody expected an Australian charge but another loose ball near the Kangaroo try line was touched down by Blair to seal victory. New Zealand: Hohaia, Perrett, Mannering, Ropati, Vatuvei, Marshall, Fien, Cayless, Leuluai, Blair, Fa'alogo, Harrison, Smith. Replacements: Luke, Eastwood, Rapira, Manu. Australia: Slater, Monaghan, Inglis, Folau, Williams, Lockyer, Thurston, Kite, Smith, Civoniceva, Laffranchi, Stewart, Gallen. Replacements: Hunt, Fitzgibbon, Tupou, Watmough.

Referee: A Klein (Great Britain) Bookmark with: Rugby League World Cup 2013: New Zealand 2-34 Australia - BBC Sport Rugby League World Cup 2013: New Zealand 2-34 Australia By Paul Fletcher BBC Sport at Old Trafford 30 Nov 2013 From the section Rugby League Share this page Media playback is not supported on this device Australia thrash NZ to win World Cup New Zealand (2) 2 Slater 2, Cronk, B Morris 2 Goals: Thurston 7 Australia produced a clinical performance as they thrashed holders New Zealand to win the World Cup at a sold-out Old Trafford. It was a near-faultless display from the Kangaroos, who scored five unanswered tries and have now won the trophy 10 times. Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk touched down and Johnathan Thurston kicked two penalties as the Kangaroos built a 16-2 lead at the break. Slater scored seconds after the restart and Brett Morris twice as Australia hammered their opponents. Analysis Australia did the simple things and I thought their kicking game was immense. They got away from their line easily and when the chances came, they took them.

They were fantastic and I haven't seen such a one-sided display for a long, long time. Thoroughly deserved for Australia. The Kiwis might have produced the tournament's most dramatic moment when they snatched a last-minute victory over England at Wembley last weekend, but they were a poor second against the Kangaroos in Manchester. All they had to show for their efforts was Shaun Johnson's early penalty that briefly levelled the scores at 2-2 but the two sides were anything but equal on the day. The crowd of 74,468 was a record for an international fixture and most seemed to be backing New Zealand, but they had little choice except to admire the breathtaking play of the Kangaroos. Australia built pressure from the start and never looked in any trouble as a brilliant kicking display and some superb attacking invention enabled them to avenge their defeat in the 2008 final in Brisbane. The Kangaroos held the World Cup from 1975 until they lost it five years ago but they have been peerless in 2013.

They scored more tries (48) than any other team at the tournament, had the joint-top try-scorer in Jarryd Hayne and Brett Morris (nine) and did not concede a try after their opening match against England. Australia made their intentions clear from the very start at Old Trafford, as they tore into the Kiwis with a series of brutal tackles. Their physicality up front was complemented by a ruthless kicking game, perfectly illustrated by an inch-perfect grubber from skipper Cameron Smith that forced a goal-line drop-out. Awesome Australia Australia have won the World Cup on a record 10 occasions, ahead of Great Britain (three) and New Zealand (one).

1957: Won by topping a four-team group played in Sydney and Brisbane 1968: Beat France 20-2 in Sydney 1970: Beat Great Britain 12-7 in Leeds 1975: Beat England 25-0 in Leeds 1977: Beat Great Britain 13-12 in Sydney 1988: Beat New Zealand 25-12 in Auckland 1992: Beat Great Britain 10-6 in London (pictured above) 1995: Beat England 16-8 in London 2000: Beat New Zealand 40-12 in Manchester 2013: Beat New Zealand 34-2 in Manchester They soon had the lead through a Thurston penalty before Johnson levelled after a high tackle by Smith. The reply did not signify any lasting resistance however, as Australia continued to play with a relentless precision. Slater, restored at full-back after recovering from the knee injury he sustained in the quarter-final win over the USA, brilliantly caught a high cross-field kick from Thurston before touching down.

Australia almost extended their advantage when Hayne kicked for Cronk to touch down after Kiwi winger Manu Vatuvei, another player back after injury, spilled a high ball. However, after a lengthy referral, video referee Ashley Klein ruled that Cronk had been held up by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from hooker Isaac Luke. Cronk was not to be denied, though, and scored minutes later when he latched on to a kick from Darius Boyd after the Kangaroos had sliced open their opponents down the left side. Thurston, who surpassed countryman Mick Cronin's record of 309 points in internationals during the final, converted that try and added another penalty as the Aussies built a 16-2 lead at the break. A try in the first minute after the restart, which involved Smith, Thurston and Boyd before Slater, a losing finalist in 2008, touched down, took the result beyond doubt. More brilliant kicking from Morris and Hayne allowed the former to slide over and score as the scoreline started to take on an embarrassing appearance for the defending champions.

Media playback is not supported on this device Slater dedicates final tries to kids It would have got even worse had the otherwise impeccable Thurston not knocked on after a stray Sonny Bill Williams pass gifted possession to the Kangaroos. But Australia did score their fifth try after another pass from Williams was intercepted by Hayne, who tore downfield before passing for Morris to score again. Man of the match Thurston converted to take his tally to seven from seven in the game as Australia closed out for a famous victory. New Zealand: Locke, Tuivasa-Sheck, Whare, Goodwin, Vatuvei, Foran, Johnson, Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke, Bromwich, Mannering, Williams, Taylor. Replacements: Nuuausala, Kasiano, Matulino, Glenn. Australia: Slater, B. Morris, Inglis, Hayne, Boyd, Thurston, Cronk, Scott, Smith, Tamou, Bird, Thaiday, Gallen. Replacements: Cherry-Evans, Papalii, Fifita, Parker. Referee: Richard Silverwood (England) For a gallery of images from the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford, go to the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Share this page Rugby League 2008 World Cup Final Highlights- Australia VS New Zealand - YouTube Rugby League 2008 World Cup Final Highlights- Australia VS New Zealand Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Jan 16, 2011 This is the full time highlits of the Rugby League World Cup Final in 2008 where New Zealand got one of Australia and went on to win 34-20 at Suncorp Stadium. Category Rugby Football History All Blacks Barbarians Canada British & Irish Lions Ireland Scotland Springboks USA Wales Wallabies The first Rugby League World Cup was held in France in 1954. The prime motivators behind the idea of holding rugby league world cup were the French, who were short of money following the seizing of their assets by the rugby union in World War II. They had campaigned for it since 1935. In January 1952 the idea gained momentum.

At a meeting held in Blackpool, England, November 1953, the International Board accepted Paul Barrie’s proposal that France should be the nation to host the inaugural Rugby League World Cup. The World Cup was initially contested by the four Test nations: Australia, Great Britain, France and New Zealand). The teams played each other in a league format. A group stage was held first, with Great Britain topping the table as a result of points difference. They went on to defeat France (who finished second in the table, level on points) in the final, which was held at the Charlety Stadium, Paris, in front of around 30,000 spectators.

Group stages October 30: France 22 - 13 New Zealand (Paris) October 31: Australia 13 - 28 Great Britain (Lyon) November 7: France 13 - 13 Great Britain (Toulouse) November 7: Australia 34 - 15 New Zealand (Marseilles) November 11: Great Britain 26 - 6 New Zealand (Bordeaux) November 11: France 15 - 5 Australia (Nantes) League standings November 13: France 12 - 16 Great Britain (Charlety Stadium, Paris) Extract from The second World Cup in Australia in 1957. Australia proved victorious on their home ground after ending up top opf the ladder. After the successful 1960 competition, in which Great Britain won the title for the second time, there would be no further World Cup for 8 years. The competition had be scheduled to be held in France in 1965, but after an unsuccessful tour of Australia, the French withdrew.

The tournament was next held in 1968, and followed a 2 year cycle until the mid-1970s. The 1972 World Cup final ended in a 10-all draw, and the title was awarded to Great Britain by virtue of their superior record in the qualifiers. In 1975 the competition underwent its most radical overhaul to date. It was decided to play matches on a home and away basis around the world, instead of in any one host nation. Furthermore, the Great Britain team was spilt into England and Wales. Australia won that tournament, and in 1977 it was decided that Great Britain should once more compete as a single entity. Although the final between Australia and Great Britain was a closely fought affair, public interest in the tournament waned due to the continuing tinkering with the format, and it would not be held again until the mid-1980s. From 1985 to 1988, each nation played each other a number of times on a home and away basis. At the end of that period Australia met New Zealand at Eden Park.

The match was a physical encounter, and Australian captain Wally Lewis played part of the match with a broken arm. The Kangaroos won the competition 25-12. This format was repeated from 1989-1992, and Australia defeated Great Britain 10-6 at Wembley Stadium in front of 72,000 people. This crowd remains a rugby league World Cup record. In 1995 the competition was once again restructured, and the largest number of teams to date, 10, entered. New teams competing included Fiji, Tonga Samoa and South Africa. The tournament, which was also held to celebrate the centenary of the sport in England, was highly successful with over 250,000 people attending the group stages and over 66,000 people attending the final to see Australia defeat England 16-8 in the final. The 2000 world cup expanded the field further, with 16 teams entering. Blown out scorelines ensured that this tournament was not as successful as the previous one. Ten teams are to compete in the next World Cup in Australia in 2008.

It has also been announced that a further tournament will be held in Great Britain in 2012 Potted history from 1954 World Cup Champions - Great Britain Great Britain defeated France 16-12 in the first ever 'Rugby' World Cup Final, played in Paris. The 1954 World Cup was played in France. 1957 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia won by virtue of being at the top of the ladder. Followed games in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia defeating New Zealand 25-5, Great Britain 31-6 and France 26-9. 1960 World Cup Champions - Great Britain Great Britain won by virtue of being at the top of the ladder. Great Britain defeated Australia 10-3 at Odsal Stadium in England. Both Great Britain and Australia were undefeated coming into the match. 1968 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia defeated France 20-2 in the World Cup Final in Sydney. The 1968 World Cup was played in Australia and New Zealand. 1970 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia defeated Great Britain 12-7 in the World Cup Final in Leeds.

The 1970 World Cup was played in England. 1972 World Cup Champions - Great Britain Great Britain and Australia played a 10-all draw in Lyon, France. Great Britain were declared World Cup winners by virtue of being undefeated. 1975 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia won by virtue of being at the top of the ladder, one point ahead of England. The 1975 World Cup was played in Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales and France and was spread over the entire year. Great Britain was divided into the two home nations of England and Wales. 1977 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia defeated Great Britain 13-12 in the World Cup Final in Sydney. The 1977 World Cup was played in Australia and New Zealand. 1985-1988 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia defeated New Zealand 25-12 in the World Cup Final in Auckland. Played internationally over four seasons, the ninth World Cup tournament saw the introduction of Papua-New Guinea.

1989-1992 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia defeated Great Britain 10-6 in the World Cup Final in front of 76,631 people at Wembley Stadium in London. 1995 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia defeated England 16-8 in the World Cup Final in London. The 1995 World Cup, played in England, saw the introduction of more rugby league nations as well Great Britain being divided into home nations. The Australian Rugby League announced that matches played by the Kangaroos would be given ARL Test match status. 2000 World Cup Champions - Australia Australia defeated New Zealand 40-12 in the World Cup Final in Manchester. The 2000 World Cup was played in Great Britain and France. Great Britain was divided itself into four home nations. A number of new teams were introduced including NZ Maori and Cook Is. in addition to Lebanon, Russia, Fiji and South Africa. 2008 World Champions - New Zealand New Zealand defeated Australia 34 - 20 in the World cup final in Brisbane. The 2008 world cup was played in Australia.

Massive underdogs heading into the match, the Kiwis pulled off the biggest upset in World Cup history as the Kangaroos surrendered their No.1 ranking to their trans-Tasman rivals with their first loss since 2006. The next Rugby League World Cup is scheduled for 2013. BBC Sport - Rugby League - Rugby League World Cup in 2013 will expand to 14 teams Rugby League World Cup in 2013 will expand to 14 teams New Zealand beat hosts Australia 34-20 to win the World Cup in 2008 International rugby league chiefs have given the go-ahead to expand the World Cup to 14 teams in 2013. Only 10 teams contested the last tournament in Australia in 2008 and drew huge crowds and a large worldwide television audience. That compared to the 16-team event in 2000, which produced a host of mismatches and made a financial loss. Twelve teams will be automatically entered for the 2013 World Cup, to be held in the UK, with two qualifying.

Details of the qualifying system will be revealed later this year but Wales, twice semi-finalists in the past, look certain to join the 10 teams who took part in 2008 and Lebanon will be hoping to secure the other automatic spot. The tournament will be the first rugby league World Cup to be held in the UK since 2000, which was hampered by bad weather, attracted poor attendances and left the Rugby Football League in debt. And organisers are likely to once more seed the major nations in order to avoid the lopsided scorelines that featured in 2000. In 2008, England, Australia and New Zealand were all placed in one 'super' pool, alongside Papua New Guinea, with the rest of the nations left to fight it out for one semi-final place. 606: DEBATE The 2008 event in Australia was a success, attracting combined crowds of 290,000 and a global television audience of 19.2m, making it the most widely broadcast event in the sport's history. Initial proposals by the RFL for a 14-team tournament were met with opposition.

But delegates at Tuesday's Rugby League International Federation meeting in Singapore were impressed by their business plan. "We are delighted to have ratified this proposal for a 14-nation rugby league World Cup, which was unanimously supported by RLIF delegates," said RLIF chairman Colin Love. "This year will see the Four Nations in Australia and New Zealand build on the success of the 2008 rugby World Cup and 2009 Four Nations and going forward I am confident that in 2013 we will see a tournament that will successfully showcase international rugby league to a worldwide audience. "The format reflects rugby league's increased participation around the world and provides a wonderful opportunity for the finest athletes in any sport to prove themselves on the greatest stage of all." Bookmark with: Five of the best New Zealand Kiwis v Australian Kangaroos rugby league tests | Stuff.co.nz Five of the best New Zealand Kiwis v Australian Kangaroos rugby league tests LIAM HYSLOP Last updated 11:59, May 6 2016 Stuff.co.nz Top five Kiwis v Aussies rugby league games.

Australia are 13-point favourites to beat New Zealand in their trans-Tasman rugby league test on Friday night with the Kiwis filling their usual underdog status. But that has never stopped them causing some major upsets against the Kangaroos. That makes now as good a time as any to reminisce about the five best matches, or moments, between the Kangaroos and Kiwis in years gone by (with even a couple of Aussie wins thrown in). What's your favourite? Let us know in the comments. 2008 World Cup final: Kiwis win 34-20 REUTERS Benji Marshall gets up close to the Australians during the haka before the Kiwis' Rugby League World Cup final win in 2008. This was the day the Australians learned not to challenge the haka. They walked straight at the Kiwis as they started the traditional war dance, with Benji Marshall and Issac Luke getting up close and personal with their opposite numbers. There is little doubt this fired up the Kiwis, as they went on to secure their first, and only, Rugby League World Cup title.

2010 Four Nations final - Kiwis win 16-12 on the buzzer...with an asterisk NZPA New Zealand's Nathan Fien runs in to score the winning try against Australia in the final of the 2010 Four Nations. What a tight and tense encounter it was, with an ending fitting of a final. With two minutes to go, down 12-10, Benji Marshall starts a run from his own 40-metre line, finding Shaun Kenny-Dowall down the right touchline, who then finds Jason Nightingale. As Nightingale is pushed out of touch at Australia's 20m line, he fires the ball back in-field, with it going through Australian Darren Lockyer's arms just outside the 10m line. You can debate about arm motions but if that's not a forward pass then what is? The referees missed it and Nathan Fien scored under the posts to secure a famous victory.

2006 Tri Nations final - Aussies win in golden point REUTERS Australian captain Darren Lockyer dives over the line to score the winning try as Australia beat New Zealand in extra time to win the Tri-Nations rugby league final in Sydney in 2006. What a force Johnathan Thurston and Lockyer were. The pair combined to break the Kiwis' hearts in extra-time. Thurston made a break from his own half with a right-foot step, before finding Lockyer to run in under the posts for another 16-12 scoreline between the two teams. That was after Stacey Jones had missed a drop goal for the Kiwis earlier in extra-time. 1991 Kiwis win 24-8 in Melbourne - not that Dean Lonergan knows anything about it FAIRFAX NZ Dean Lonergan (right) was left convulsing in a 1991 rugby league match, where his Kiwis team beat Mal Meninga's (left) Australian side. This was a cracking win for the Kiwis - their first over Australia in four years. It would be another seven years until they beat Australia again.

It is also remembered for the horrifying sight of Dean Lonergan convulsing on the ground. He hit the deck after trying to make a hit on just the third tackle of the game and was left straight-armed and shaking from the contact with the Australian player. 1985 Kevin Tamati v Greg Dowling THE COURIER-MAIL Kevin Tamati and Greg Dowling exchange blows off field during test at Lang Park in 1985. Yes, there was a rugby league match played around this epic fight, but, no, no-one really remembers it. For the record, Australia won 26-20 at Lang Park in Brisbane, but it was the sideline fight between Tamati and Dowling which forever lives on in the memory. Both had been sent to the sin-bin, but after a brief exchange of words, proceeded to knock the stuffing out of each other right in front of the crowd and other officials.

Rugby League World Cup final: Australia and New Zealand ready - BBC Sport BBC Sport Rugby League World Cup final: Australia and New Zealand ready 29 Nov 2013 From the section Rugby League Share this page Media playback is not supported on this device Great tries from the 2013 World Cup Rugby League World Cup final Venue: 14:30 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC One from 13:45 GMT and Radio 5 live sports extra from 14:30 GMT; live text commentary on BBC Sport website from 13:30 GMT Coach Stephen Kearney believes New Zealand can pull off another surprise result against Australia in the World Cup final at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Kiwis shocked the Kangaroos, who have lifted the trophy nine times, with a 34-20 win in Brisbane in 2008. Kearney said: "We start as underdogs, but the lads are confident that, if they can bring their best performance, we give ourselves a great opportunity." New Zealand's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Australia's Billy Slater both start.

New Zealand's route to final New Zealand 42-24 Samoa (Pool) New Zealand 48-0 France (Pool) New Zealand 56-10 Papua New Guinea (Pool) New Zealand 40-4 Scotland (Quarter-final) New Zealand 20-18 England (Semi-final) Winger Tuivasa-Sheck, who scored two tries in the Kiwis' 20-18 semi-final win over England, has been passed fit after a lower-leg injury, while Slater has been named at full-back but is still recovering from a knee injury aggravated against USA. Both sides boast 100% records heading into the encounter but Australia have not conceded a try since Josh Charnley's effort in their first pool match against England on the opening day. Aussie winger Jarryd Hayne is the competition's top try scorer with nine, closely followed by Tuivasa-Sheck with eight. But it is recently named Rugby League International Federation player of the year Sonny Bill Williams who has attracted the most interest in the tournament so far.

The Kiwi - with a tournament high 17 offloads - has the chance of becoming the first player to win the World Cup in both rugby league and rugby union after triumphing with the All Blacks in 2011. "I'd give every award back in a heartbeat just to get across the line this weekend," said Williams. Media playback is not supported on this device Rugby League World Cup: Australia and New Zealand captains prepare for final Australia coach Tim Sheens feels Williams' presence is positive for the coverage of the sport. "It's good for our game and for our code around the world because he's known over here and I think he's well known as a rugby player in France too," said Sheens. "I love the game as a game and love to see it played around the world and well respected so players like that are great to have around." Australia playmaker Johnathan Thurston goes into the match needing just six points to break fellow countryman Mick Cronin's 31-year record of 309 international points. "It's going to be a memory the boys are never going to forget," he said.

"It's giving me goose bumps just thinking about it." Australia's route to final Australia 64-0 Fiji (Semi-final) Organisers for the competition announced on Friday that the Old Trafford clash was a sell-out. It means the game will be the best attended international rugby league match of all time and both New Zealand and Australia will play in front of their biggest-ever crowds. Kiwi captain Simon Mannering, who played in the final in 2008, is hoping to receive the backing of the crowd in Manchester. "We haven't had a lot of support from the English throughout the tournament but that's understandable given the teams we've been playing," he said. "It's the first time for a lot of the guys and it's a pretty cool ground.

It will probably be the only chance a lot of us get to play here." Australia team: B Slater (Melbourne); B Morris (St George Illawarra), J Hayne (Parramatta), G Inglis (South Sydney), D Boyd (Newcastle); J Thurston (North Queensland), C Cronk (Melbourne); M Scott (North Queensland), C Smith (Melbourne, capt), J Tamou (North Queensland), G Bird (Gold Coast), S Thaiday (Brisbane), P Gallen (Cronulla). Replacements: D Cherry-Evans (Manly), A Fifita (Cronulla), C Parker (Brisbane), J Papalii (Canberra) or B Tate (North Queensland).

New Zealand team: K Locke (NZ Warriors); R Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters), D Whare (Penrith), B Goodwin (South Sydney), M Vatuvei (NZ Warriors); K Foran (Manly), S Johnson (NZ Warriors); J Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), I Luke (South Sydney), J Bromwich (Melbourne), S Mannnering (NZ Warriors, capt), S B Williams (Sydney Roosters), E Taylor (NZ Warriors). Replacements: A Glenn (Brisbane), S Kasiano (Canterbury Bulldogs), B Matulino, F-P Nu'uausala (Sydney Roosters). Referee: R Silverwood (England). Rugby League World Cup 2013 REPORT A bit of History The Kangaroos are the most successful team in Rugby League World Cup history, having won nine of the 13 World Cups contested. In fact, such has been their dominance of the sport they have failed to make the World Cup final just once: the very first tournament played in 1954.

But the Australians – and their fans – are still smarting from their 2008 World Cup Final defeat at the hands of New Zealand, which stunned the home crowd at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. So they’ll come to Europe keen to re-establish a World Cup stranglehold that previously went all the way back to 1975. For the first time in a long time there’ll be no Darren Lockyer in the Aussie ranks, but the depth of talent at their disposal means that they will once again start as tournament favourites. Australia’s pedigree within the sport is renowned throughout the world. The country has produced some of the greatest players ever to have graced the field, from the ‘godfather’ of Australian Rugby League, Dally Messenger, through to current International Player of the Year and Player of the Tournament in 2008, Billy Slater. The formation of Rugby League in Australia in 1907 was largely down to that man Messenger, who defected from Rugby Union to join the newly-formed professional league in New South Wales.

Messenger starred in New Zealand’s 1907 ‘All Golds’ tour of Great Britain, returning to these shores the following year as skipper of the first ever touring ‘Kangaroos’. His team played its first ever international Test against Britain’s ‘Northern Union XIII’ in London, Messenger kicking five goals in a 22-22 draw. Messenger’s legend lives on through the Dally M Medal, awarded each year to Australian Rugby League’s most outstanding performer. Rugby League International Federation Ltd - Australian Business Number 28 091 594 777 - Registered Office Level 5, 165 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Question: Which team beat Australia 34 - 20 in the Rugby League World Cup final in 2008?
Answer: New Zealand