World Cup - 1977    Previous    Next

Details from "The Vault"

The eighth Rugby League World Cup was held in 1977, and saw a return to the format used on previous occasions. The tournament was held in both Australia and New Zealand.

That the final would be between Great Britain and Australia soon became obvious, with France and [New Zealand both performing poorly. Great Britain were the underdogs going to the final, which was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. They managed to dominate the possession, and it took a last minute try from Australia’s John Kolc to secure the Cup in front of 24,457 spectators.

World Cup Final, Saturday 25th June 1977.  Back to top

Australia 13

(Russel Gartner, Allan McMahon, John Kolc tries; Mick Cronin 2 goals)

Great Britain 12

(S Pitchford, K Gill tries; G Fairbairn 3 goals)

Sydney Cricket Ground. Crowd: 24,457.

Referee: W Thompson (Great Britain).

Australia: Graham Eadie; Allan McMahon, Mick Cronin, Russel Gartner, Mark Harris, John Peard, John Kolc, Greg Pierce, Ray Higgs, Arthur Beetson (c), Terry Randall, Nick Geiger, Greg Veivers; Denis Fitzgerald.

Great Britain: G Fairbairn; S Wright, J Holmes, L Dyl, W Francis; R Millward (c), S Nash; P Hogan, E Bowman, G Nicholls, S Pitchford, K Elwell, J Thompson; K Gill, L Casey.