Ben Currie of England (C) fights off a tackle by Cameron Smith (L) and Aaron Woods (2nd L) of Australia during the rugby league World Cup men’s final match between Australia and England in Brisbane on December 2, 2017. Patrick HAMILTON / AFPBoyd Cordner’s first half try ensured the Australians clinched the title for the 11th time in a low-scoring but enthralling final in front of 40,000 fans.
The Kangaroos went into the match as firm favourites after going through the preliminary rounds largely untroubled.
And for large parts of the match they looked certain to overrun England, particularly in the first half and the opening 10 minutes of the second.
But the English were resolute in defence as they slowly came back into the final and could have upset the more fancied Australians if they had shown some more composure in attack.
In a pulsating and at times brutal first half, the home side shaded both possession and territory, with much of the game played in England’s half.
Australia Grind Out Tough World Cup Final Win
