1972 Rugby League World Cup final
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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.[1]
| 1972 Rugby League World Cup final | |||||||||||||
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| Date | 11 November 1972 | ||||||||||||
| Stadium | Stade de Gerland | ||||||||||||
| Location | Lyon, France | ||||||||||||
| Referee | Georges Jameau (France) | ||||||||||||
| Attendance | 4,231 | ||||||||||||
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Australia | 27 | 21 | 29 October | Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan | 6,300 | Group Stage |
 France | 13 | 4 | 1 November | Stade Lesdiguières, Grenoble | 13,231 | Group Stage |
 New Zealand | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Great Britain | 21 | 27 | 29 October | Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan | 6,300 | Group Stage |
| New Zealand | 9 | 5 | 1 November | Parc des Princes, Paris | 8,000 | Group Stage |
| France | 5 | 19 | 5 November | Stadium Municipal, Toulouse | 10,332 | Group Stage |
Match details
11 November 1972 |
| Great Britain |
10–10 (ET) |
Australia |
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| Tries: Clive Sullivan Mike Stephenson Goals: Terry Clawson (2) |
[2] |
Tries: John O'Neill Arthur Beetson Goals: Ray Branighan (2) |
      Great Britain
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     Australia
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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.[3]
The game, however, proved a memorable one for both Great Britain and Australia; seeing Great Britain captain Clive Sullivan's long distance try,[4][5] and Australia's "greatest try never scored", by fullback Graeme Langlands.[6] The try was disallowed by French referee Georges Jameau for offside but was later proved to be onside.[7] Great Britain hooker Mike Stephenson scored the 73rd-minute try that helped level the scores and secure the World Cup.[8]
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.[9]