BOYD CORDNER’S first-half try proved decisive as Australia battled to a 6-0 victory over England in Brisbane to win the Rugby League World Cup for the 11th time.
The Kangaroos came into Saturday’s final as overwhelming favourites to retain their title, but were pushed all the way in a hugely physical encounter.
An England side missing skipper Sean O’Loughlin and Josh Hodgson fought tirelessly in their first final since 1995 and were still in with a chance of pulling off an upset as the hooter approached.
Yet Australia ultimately prevailed in the lowest scoring final in history and it remains 11 years since they lost to England or Great Britain. The Kangaroos have now won eight of the last nine World Cups and remain rugby league’s undoubted kings.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
