England scale new heights with historic Wheelchair World Cup triumph
For all the triumphs, moments of glory and celebrations that have shaped the sport in this country, this was a first.
England Wheelchair have scaled a peak no rugby league team from these shores had reached before, retaining their World Cup crown to make history in Wollongong.
To win it in front of a home crowd is one thing; to return four years later and defend it 10,500 miles away is an altogether different challenge.
Yet there is something about this England team that sets it apart.
The country's last hope after early exits for the men's and women's sides, Tom Coyd's men saw the weight of expectation grow with every game but showed why they are the benchmark team by beating France again when it mattered most.
Four years on from England's dramatic win in Manchester, wheelchair rugby league's great rivals produced another classic.
The previous three finals between the old foes had been fiercely competitive and Friday's showdown was no different, even if the eventual margin was the widest of the four.
England's 50-38 victory was a thrilling advertisement for a sport built on skill, speed and remarkable physical commitment.
Joe Coyd led the way with an inspired four-try performance, while incoming Wakefield Trinity head coach Jack Brown scored a hat-trick.
His Halifax Panthers team-mate Rob Hawkins – crowned the Golden Boot winner for a third straight year on the eve of the final – added a double to end the World Cup with a tournament-high 21 tries.
England now stand alone as the first nation to be crowned wheelchair world champions three times.
But they had to work hard for that piece of history against a France side determined to spoil the party.
The collisions did not disappoint in the opening exchanges before England took an early grip on the contest.
After Hawkins was taken out on a kick chase, Coyd snuck over from close range on the next play to break the deadlock five minutes in.
The England veteran made it a quickfire double when he weaved his way through near halfway and raced away to score under the posts.
The defending champions lost their grip after Nathan Billington shoved Leo Hivernat to the ground in a heated exchange.
That flashpoint only served to fire up the French, who quickly turned the game on its head.
Jeremy Bourson used his long levers to stretch out and touch down in the corner before Hivernat demonstrated his speed to score a breakaway try.
France looked dangerous every time they entered England territory and had the lead after Damien Doree punished an error by Coyd.
It soon got worse for England when Florian Guttadoro finished in the corner to make it 22-10.
But they showed why they are regarded as the best team in the world to regain the initiative before half-time.
After Hawkins and Nathan Collins were denied in quick succession, Coyd completed his hat-trick to spark a purple patch for England.
Hawkins finished Jack Brown's looping pass before seeing another try harshly ruled out.
But the world's best player responded in style, kicking through for Brown to showcase his athleticism with a sensational finish just before the dead-ball line.
England led 28-22 at the end of a breathless first half but the margin offered little comfort.
That sense was underscored just after the restart when Dany Denuwelaere weaved his way over out wide.
England once again demonstrated their champion qualities to hit back immediately through Hawkins in a tight space.
Coyd saw a try ruled out for a forward pass but did not have to wait much longer for his fourth, showing his strength to give England some breathing space.
A Billington error allowed Denuwelaere to hit back, only for Brown to quickly quell the French fire with his second.
And when the two-time winner completed his hat-trick from close range, a third World Cup title was tantalisingly within his grasp.
Denuwelaere added his third late on but
England: Coyd, Hawkins, Norfolk, King, Billington. Substitutes: Collins, Domingos, Brown.
Tries: Coyd (5, 8, 32, 58), Hawkins (36, 44), Brown (40, 63, 70).
Goals: Hawkins 1/2, Collins 6/7.
France: J Hivernat, Dore, Guttadoro, Bourson, L Hivernat. Substitutes: G Clausells, Denuwelaere, N Clausells.
Tries: Bourson (12), L Hivernat (20), Dore (23), Guttadoro (27), Denuwelaere (42, 61, 79).
Goals: L Hivernat 3/4, N Clausells 2/3.