How New Zealand beat Australia 34-20 to win their only Rugby League World Cup
New Zealand beat heavily favoured Australia 34-20 to win their only men's Rugby League World Cup in 2008.
On November 22, 2008, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, New Zealand's rugby league team delivered what many call the greatest night in the country's rugby league history. The Kiwis beat Australia 34-20 despite being massive underdogs, paying more than $6 to Australia's $1.11.
The Australian team was stacked with future legends like Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith. New Zealand arrived at the final after a disastrous year: they had lost 58-0 to Australia just 12 months earlier and their coach had resigned.
The victory remains New Zealand's only men's Rugby League World Cup title. Manu Vatuvei said the team went in with trust in each other and simply delivered when it mattered most.
- New Zealand 34, Australia 20
- Final score
- 22 November 2008, Suncorp Stadium Brisbane
- Date and venue
- $1.11
- Australia's odds
- $6
- New Zealand's odds
Why it mattersThe upset shows how a team with clear belief can overcome overwhelming odds against supposedly superior opponents.
AustraliaThe 2008 final remains a benchmark for how Australian rugby league can be beaten, and it influences how the code views New Zealand's strength.
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