Rugby League World Cup: When the Kiwis conquered the world
The article recounts the New Zealand Kiwis' underdog victory against Australia in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup final. Former players reflect on the historic win, which remains the only men's World Cup title for New Zealand.
Why it matters
This event is a significant milestone in sports history, illustrating the unpredictability of professional athletics and national pride.
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Nobody gave the Kiwis a chance when they ran out on to Suncorp Stadium to contest the 2008 Rugby League World Cup final against Australia.
They were paying more than $6 to win in some markets, and 20-1 to win by more than 13 points. Australia were paying as little as $1.11, which was understandable, considering they assembled one of the best teams ever on paper.
Billy Slater, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Glenn Stewart and Paul Gallen were just some of the names on the team sheet. Future legends and immortals filled their side and the odds were heavily in their favour for a 10th World Cup crown.
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3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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