The fifth Rugby League World Cup was held in Great Britain in 1970. Britain, fresh from defeating Australia in the Ashes, were hot favourites, and won all three of their group stage games. All the other nations lost two games each, and Australia qualified for the final largely on the back of an impressive tally of points against New Zealand.
The final was held at Headingley, Leeds. Although Great Britain dominated the possession, the Kangaroos were able to exploit their chances, and ran out unexpected winners in a scrappy game.
The idea of a rugbyleagueworld championship was first mooted as far back as 1933 by France, who tried repeatedly to get the tournament off the ground before finally succeeding in 1954.
The second tournament was staged, in a league format, in Australia three years later and the host nation claimed the spoils as the only unbeaten team.
The WorldCup was held in England for the first time in 1960 and, fittingly, Great Britain won back the crown, only for Australia to regain possession eight years later when they beat France in the final in Sydney.
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