Final
Australia: Eric Simms; Lionel Williamson, John Cootes, Paul Sait, Mark Harris; Bob Fulton, Billy Smith; John O'Neill, Ron Turner, Bob O'Reilly, Bob McCarthy, Ron Costello, Ron Coote (c); Ray Branighan, Elwyn Walters.
Coach: Harry Bath
Great Britain: Ray Dutton; Alan Smith, Syd Hynes, Frank Myler (c), John Atkinson; Mick Shoebottom, Keith Hepworth; Dennis Hartley, Tony Fisher, Cliff Watson, Jim Thompson, Doug Laughton, Malcolm "Mal" Reilly; Chris Hesketh, Bob Haigh.
Coach: John Whiteley
| 8 November |
Great Britain | 7–12 | Australia | Headingley, Leeds Attendance: 18,776 Referee: Fred Lindop (Great Britain) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The final, which would become known as the 'Battle of Headingly', went completely against expectations. Britain failed to play any decent football despite overwhelming possession. The Kangaroos led 5-4 at half-time with a try to Australian three-quarter, Father John Cootes. They went on to utilise their meagre chances to the full, running out 12-7 victors. The game itself was an extended punch-up. The only surprise was that it took 79 minutes before anyone was sent off. Two sacrificial lambs, Billy Smith of Australia and Sid Hynes of Britain, were sent off the field in the last minute for what had been going unpunished throughout the game.
Read more about this topic: 1970 Rugby League World Cup
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