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Five world cup finals to savour . . .
1954 – France 12 Great Britain 16
HOSTS France started as favourites to win the inaugural World Cup final at the Parc des Princes in Paris, but a team led by the legendary Puig Aubert were pipped by a determined Great Britain team.
Two tries by Leeds stand-off Gordon Brown plus others by David Rose and Gerry Helme and two goals from Jimmy Ledgard saw Great Britain captain Dave Valentine become the first man to hoist the trophy.
1972 – Great Britain 10 Australia 10
Despite a 20-minute period of extra time the two teams could still not be separated in the final at Stade Gerland in Lyon where Great Britain were eventually awarded the trophy by virtue of a superior record through qualifying.
The highlight of the final was a splendid long-rang try by Great Britain's captain Clive Sullivan who brought a derisory crowd of just 4,500 to its feet.
1977 – Australia 13 Great Britain 12
The sense of injustice was massive as Great Britain lost the tightest of finals by the narrowest of margins at the Sydney Cricket Ground where the determined Lions had an interception 'try' by Stuart Wright disallowed for an Australian infringement.
Full-back George Fairbairn also saw his long-range penalty attempt in the closing stages drift wide of the posts.
1992 – Great Britain 6 Australia 10
The final was the climax of a tournament played in stages over a three-year period and the wait proved worth it as a Wembley crowd of 73,631 – a World Cup record attendance – enjoyed a thriller.
There was little between the teams and with 12 minutes remaining Great Britain had a slender lead only for Steve Renouf to escape past Alan Tait to score the only, but winning try for Australia.
1995 – Great Britain 8 Australia 16
Andrew Johns inspired Australia to victory in a gripping World Cup final at Wembley where Great Britain were in the hunt until the closing minutes.
A try by Paul Newlove had helped the hosts stay within two points of Australia who retained the trophy courtesy of a late try by Tim Brasher, who kicked through and pounced on the lose ball when Kris Radlinski fumbled.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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