Aussies Destroy England in Four Nations Final

Unlike the 2004 and 2005 Tri- Nations series that saw the games kick off in the southern hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand played in London with a World Cup Final re-match. The tournament was also a big step up for France as they tried to re-establish themselves as a league powerhouse and match it with the best three rugby league playing nations in the world. Each team played each other once in the pool rounds reducing the tournament duration from seven to four weeks. The format was much like the early World Cup competitions.

The performance of the French in the 2008 World Cup had raised some doubts over their automatic inclusion in the 2009 Four-Nations. France were well beaten by Fiji in the Pool stages of the World Cup and many argued that Fiji should be included instead. The RLIF showed faith in France by providing them with automatic inclusion.

France are the 2nd biggest league playing nation in Europe with local competitions dating back to 1934. The inclusion of the Catalans Dragons in Super league in 2006, Toulouse Olympic in the Co-Operative Championship in 2009 and the ongoing improvement of the Elite Competition made France the obvious choice this tournament.

The inaugural Four Nations didn't disappoint with drama on and off the field keeping both spectators and journalists satisfied. France went through the tournament without a win but surprised many with their first half performances. Australia went through the tournaments as favorites but were lucky to draw with New Zealand in their opening game and stay in contention for the final. The current World Cup Champions New Zealand were left to think about what might of been after drawing with Australia and then getting beaten by England hence missing out on a final place. England on home soil proved critics wrong by knocking out the Kiwis to secure a place in the Four Nations Final at Leeds.

Australia and England contested the Four Nations Final. The game had everything from big hits to sensational backline brilliance. Just after half time 2 points separated the two teams with England scoring a try to take the lead 16 - 14. Then with 25 minutes to go the wheels feel off what is known as the England Rugby League team. Australia ran in 6 tries as England fell apart at the seams. England had promised so much and delivered for 55 minutes of the final. In the end the Australia backiline full of stars ripped the English defense to shreds leaving England with an embarrassing scoreline of 46 - 16 to deal with.