World Cup - 1968    Previous    Next

Details from "The Vault"

The fourth Rugby League World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand in 1968. For the first time a World Cup Final was specifically pre-arranged (previous finals having only been used when teams were level on points). The match between Great Britain and Australia attracted an attendance of 62,256, the highest for a Rugby League World Cup match until 1992.

The final was held at Sydney Cricket Ground; a crowd of 54,290 watched Australia defeat France.

Great Britain. Managers: W Fallowfield, C Hutton. Squad: Kevin Ashcroft (Leigh), John Atkinson (Leeds), Tommy Bishop (St Helens), Ian Brooke (Wakefield Trinity), Alan Burwell (Hull Kingston Rovers), Mick Clark (Leeds), Derek Edwards (Castleford), Peter Flanagan (Hull Kingston Rovers), Ray French (Widnes), Bob Haigh (Wakefield Trinity), Roger Millward (Hull Kingston Rovers), Arnold Morgan (Featherstone Rovers), Charlie Renilson (Halifax), Bev Risman (Leeds), Mick Shoebottom (Leeds), Clive Sullivan (Hull), John Warlow (St Helens), Cliff Watson (St Helens), Chris Young (Hull Kingston Rovers).

World Cup Final, Monday 10th June 1968.    Back to top

Australia 20

(Lionel Williamson 2, Ron Coote, Johnny Greaves tries; Eric Simms 4 goals)

France 2

(Jean Capdouze field goal)

Sydney Cricket Ground. Crowd: 54,290.

Referee: J Percival (New Zealand).

Australia: Eric Simms; Lionel Williamson, Graeme Langlands, Johnny Greaves, Johnny Rhodes; Bob Fulton, Billy Smith; John Wittenberg, Fred Jones, Arthur Beetson, Dick Thornett, Ron Coote, Johnny Raper (c); Elton Rasmussen.

France: J Cros; D Pellerin, J Gruppi, J Lecompte, J Ledru; Jean Capdouze, R Garrigues; C Sabatie, Y Begou, G Ailleres (c), F de Nadai, H Marracq, J Clar.