Rugby
League World Cup 1995
Audio Highlights
Despite
the ongoing Super League war at home - which saw Australia leave for
the UK with many of its established Test players behind - the team was
still confident that it would be able to retain the Rugby League World
Cup it had held since 1975.
Teams
from England, New Zealand and a spirited Wales though saw the 1995 Rugby
League World Cup as their best opportunity in years to get on top of
the League World.
The
Cup opener pitted home nation England against the Aussies at Wembley
in front of over 40,000 fans. Steve Menzies scored an early try and
it seemed nothing would be different for the all-powerful Australians,
such was their depth of talent. However events took a dramatic turn:
England v Australia 4m:30s
Australia
did the job expected in the remaining pool games against Sth Africa
and Fiji: Australia
v Fiji 1m:58s
The
semi-finals produced arguably the best games of the 1995 World Cup.
On
a bright and sunny afternoon the host nations took to each other at
Old Trafford, Manchester: England
v Wales Semi 2m:05s
In
the end, the Aussies and Kiwis were left to fight out the remaining
place in the Final. At Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium, Australia were
confronted by a fast-finishing New Zealand team. The Green & Gold's
fate would rest with the boot of Matthew Ridge: Australia
v New Zealand Semi 6m:36s
Back
at Wembley for the Final, an anticipant crowd of nearly 67,000 prayed
for an English victory over the Australians. The game ebbed and flowed
with both teams within a try of each other throughout - until it was
decided with only ten minutes to the close: England
v Australia RL World Cup Final 5m:36s
Australian
squad: Wayne Bartrim, Tim Brasher, Mark Carroll, Mark Coyne, Brett
Dallas, Jim Dymock, Brad Fittler (c), David Gillespie, Paul Harragon,
Terry Hill, John Hopoate, Andrew Johns, Matthew Johns, Nik Kosef, Paul
McGregor, Steve Menzies, Billy Moore, Danny Moore, Adam Muir, Robbie
O'Davis, Dean Pay, Aaron Raper, Jason Smith, Geoff Toovey, Rod Wishart.
Gary Larson replaced an injured Paul Harragon during the tournament.
Note
: all audio links are external & may be deleted at any time - RL1908
cannot ensure their continued access
Audio
Source: BBC
Sport
