1960 World Cup
| 1960 World Cup | |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 4 |
| Host country |
 England
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| Winner |
 Great Britain (2nd title)
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| Matches played | 6 |
| Attendance | 110,200 (18,367 per match) |
| Points scored | 154 (25.67 per match) |
| Top scorer |
 Brian Carlson (22) |
| Top try scorer |
Brian Carlson (4) |
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< 1957
1968 >
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The 1960 Rugby League World Cup was the third staging of the tournament and the first Rugby League World Cup to be held in Great Britain. The same format as used in 1957 was used, with a group stage leading to a final table.
The 1960 World Cup raised problems which had not really affected the previous tournaments. Live television of complete games was held responsible for lower than anticipated attendances, the largest crowd being the 32,773 which gathered at Odsal for the deciding match between Australia and the hosts.
For Australia the World Cup matches formed part of their Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France.
France were close to beating Australia at Wigan, missing a penalty and four drop goal attempts in the closing minutes.
Regarded as the most entertaining game of the series, Australian winger Brian Carlson scored a hat-trick of both tries and goals, but the highlight of the game was a bewildering try by Kiwi stand-off half George Menzies which was so spectacular that even the referee, Eric Clay, applauded.
Britain's comprehensive victory over the French at Swinton was marred by the first double sending-off in World Cup annals, France's skipper Jean Barthe and Britain's second-rower Vince Karalius being despatched by Edouard Martung, a police inspector from Bordeaux.
In the final round against New Zealand, France's second-rower Robert Eramouspe was dismissed for reckless kicking in a game which more closely resembled a brawl.
No World Cup final was held, but by chance the final match of the series saw Great Britain take on Australia at Odsal, Bradford. As both teams were undefeated this match became a virtual World Cup final.
In the deciding match – a vicious affair in rain and mud at Odsal – Monsieur Martung did not send anyone off. Great Britain did play the better football between hostilities. First half tries from wingers Billy Boston – out injured in the first two games – and Mick Sullivan, and two goals from stand-in fullback Austin Rhodes effectively had the match won at 10–0. Brian Carlson scored the only Australian try ten minutes from time – too late to prevent British captain Eric Ashton from collecting the World Cup.
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