For the 1975 Rugby League World Cup the format underwent a dramatic overhaul, with the group matches split over all the competing nations and taking place over nine months on a 'home and away' basis.

For the first time Great Britain was split between sides for England and Wales, in an attempt to capitalise on the strength in the Welsh game, which had been enhanced by high-profile imports from rugby union. The other teams included a fast-fading France, and the tournament was rebranded as the Rugby League World Championship.

France in fact began the event with their best performance, a 14-7 victory over Wales, while England comfortably saw off New Zealand.

However, the English then endured the result that was to ultimately deprive them of their crown, losing 12-7 to Wales in Brisbane.

Australia had already defeated New Zealand and went on to demolish Wales 30-13, before the Kiwis inflicted another mortal blow against England with a 17-17 draw in Auckland.

The English replicated the 1972 final result with a 10-10 draw against Australia, but then began to turn the tide with a 22-16 win over Wales at Warrington, before crushing the French 48-2 in front of just 1,500 fans in Bordeaux.

The damage had already been done, though, and Australia cruised to victories over New Zealand (24-8), Wales (18-6) and France (41-2) to ensure top spot in the table and another trophy.

England earned a moral victory by defeating the Aussies 16-13 in their final match at Central Park, but due to the dropped points against Wales and New Zealand, had to settle for second.