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Oct 23
45m 27s

Rugby League Top 10: Aussie, Aussie, Aus...

Bbc Radio 5 Live
About this episode

In this episode we're talking about iconic moments from the greatest rivalry in the game. The focus is England or, more often than not, Great Britain against the old enemy, Australia. Ahead of the first Ashes series in 22 years, the panel discuss and debate what are, undoubtedly, some of the most memorable moments in the history of rugby league.

From the game changing 'Invincibles' and 'Unbeatables' of the 1980s, to the ankle tap on Kallum Watkins in 2017 which denied England the chance to draw level and perhaps go on and win the World Cup for the first time in 45 years.

In between, two tries from Henderson Gill, the second of which was celebrated with "a bit of a boogie", as described by the Australian commentators, were the highlight in 1988 of Great Britain's first victory against the Aussies in a decade and their first win Down Under for 18 years.

Two years later, Ricky Stuart dummied his way up the field before finding Mal Meninga in support for a memorable, match-winning score at Old Trafford in the 'greatest ever test' to level the series and ultimately set the platform for Australia to retain the Ashes.

1992 was the last time a Great Britain team took on a full tour of Australasia, led by the legendary Malcolm Reilly, the highlight of the series for the tourists was undoubtedly the Second Test in a cold and wet Melbourne. An all-Wigan pack led GB to a 33-10 victory, equalling their biggest ever win against Australia.

Other iconic Great Britain moments up for discussion include Jonathan Davies' sensational try at Wembley, Adrian Morley's red card after 12 seconds and captain Jamie Peacock taking on Willie Mason after he'd floored Stuart Fielden. While, for England, there's Sam Burgess' 'breakthrough' score in the 2009 Four Nations Final and the controversy that became known as 'Pinkygate' after Ryan Hall had a late try ruled out which could have knocked Australia out of the 2014 Four Nations tournament. A decision England coach Steve McNamara described as “disappointing!”

All iconic in their own right, but which will come out on top?

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