England and Great Britain’s Greatest Wins Over Australia in Rugby League
- David Cain
- Oct 23
- 5 min read
The rivalry between the northern-hemisphere teams of Great Britain national rugby league team / England national rugby league team and the mighty Australia national rugby league team (the “Kangaroos”) is one of rugby-league’s oldest and most storied match-ups. Australia have long dominated the sport internationally, but there have been rare occasions when Britain or England have turned the tables to record signature victories. In this article we’ll focus on three of those standout occasions: the 1958 Ashes triumph in Australia, the 1992 Ashes Test win in Melbourne, and the 1995 World Cup victory in London.
1. 1958: The “Battle of Brisbane” and the 40-17 Victory
One of the most iconic wins for Great Britain over Australia came during the 1958 Ashes series. On 19 July 1958 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Great Britain recorded a dominant 40-17 victory over Australia, which remains their largest winning margin in the series.
The context
Australia had enjoyed home advantage and were strong favourites. In the second Test of the series, Great Britain’s skipper Alan Prescott famously played on despite breaking his arm in the third minute, refusing to leave the field so that his side would not play two men short. This act of bravery became legendary—often referred to as “Prescott’s Match” or the “Battle of Brisbane”.
The game
After levelling the series earlier, the Lions delivered a superb performance in Sydney. Great Britain’s physicality and composure up front, combined with class from half-back and the backs, saw them impose themselves on the Kangaroos. The 40-17 scoreline equalled a 23-point margin which remains the largest for Great Britain in the Ashes.
Why it matters
It showed that a British side could travel to Australia and comprehensively beat the Kangaroos on their home turf.
The resilience shown by Prescott and the pack remains a hallmark of the era.
In the broader history of the Ashes rivalry, it stands as a rare high point for Britain.
2. 1992: Great Britain’s 33-10 Win in Melbourne
Fast-forward to 1992, during the Ashes series (1989-92 World Cup cycle). On 26 June 1992 at Melbourne (Princes Park), Great Britain recorded a resounding 33-10 victory over Australia.
The context
By this stage, Australia had been dominant for many years. A win by Britain by such a margin was unexpected and therefore significant. According to sources, the 33-10 margin equalled the largest winning margin achieved by Great Britain over Australia in the Ashes series.
The game
The Lions, captained by Garry Schofield, clicked after halftime, taking strong control of the match. One report describes Offiah producing a “four-minute double” and the fullback Graham Steadman scoring after some slick interplay. The Kangaroos were unable to respond to the sustained pressure from the British pack and backs.
Why it matters
It reinforced Britain’s potential to not just beat Australia, but to beat them convincingly.
The margin and manner of the win elevated the game into the category of “great British wins” over the Kangaroos.
In a period where Australia’s supremacy was near-unassailable, this result stands out.
3. 1995: England’s 20-16 Win at Wembley in the World Cup
Perhaps the most sentimental of the wins came in 1995. Under the England banner (rather than Great Britain), the national team achieved a memorable victory over Australia in the opening match of the 1995 Rugby League World Cup at Wembley Stadium, London. England won 20-16.
The context
This was England’s first win over Australia under the “England” designation (previous wins having been by Great Britain). The victory became a marker of hope—though England would go on to lose the final to Australia, the opening result still resonated.
The game
In front of a crowd of 41,271 fans at Wembley, England produced a stirring performance. Key moments included tries by Andy Farrell, Chris Joynt, Jason Robinson—and most famously, a match-winning interception try by Paul Newlove in the 74th minute. Australia were not at full strength (due to the Super League war and player availability) but still boasted a mighty side. England’s win nonetheless thrilled the fans and sparked renewed belief.
Why it matters
It remains England’s last win over Australia in rugby league, under the “England” banner.
It was achieved at Wembley, on home soil, in the context of a major global tournament (World Cup), which adds to its significance.
The way the win was secured—through belief, opportunism and clutch play—gives it a symbolic status.
The Wider Significance and Legacy
These victories, although separated by decades, have much in common:
They came against a formidable Australian side in periods of dominance.
They required British or English teams to punch above their historical weight.
They provided moments of inspiration and belief for the home nations that the Kangaroos could be beaten.
Moreover, statistics show that Britain/England have not registered significant series wins over Australia for many years. The Ashes series wins by Great Britain date back to the early 1970s, with Australia enjoying long runs of dominance since then.
A few statistical notes
Great Britain’s biggest winning margin over Australia in the Ashes is 23 points (40-17 in 1958; 33-10 in 1992).
England’s last win over Australia was the 1995 result above.
When underdogs prevail, these matches tend to become part of folklore—particularly the 1958 Britain win and England’s 1995 win.
Why wins like these are “great”
They break the narrative of predictable dominance.
They inspire future players and fans.
They carry symbolic weight beyond just the result: home venue, occasion, context, and the manner of the win all matter.
Reflections and Looking Forward
For fans of English and British rugby league, these wins remain reference-points. They remind us that even when facing historical giants, victories are possible. Yet, in recent decades, such wins have been exceedingly rare. As noted, for England under that name, the 1995 win remains the last time they beat Australia. Meanwhile, the long-awaited return of a full Ashes series in 2025 (England vs Australia) offers an opportunity to create new “great wins”.
For those looking back, here are the three matches in summary form:
Year | Venue | Result | Significance |
1958 | Sydney Cricket Ground | GB 40 – 17 AUS | Largest margin for GB over AUS; symbolic victory. |
1992 | Melbourne | GB 33 – 10 AUS | Huge margin, against a dominant kangaroo side. |
1995 | Wembley (London) | Eng 20 – 16 AUS | England’s last win over Australia, on home soil, in World Cup. |
Conclusion
In the history of rugby league, the dominance of Australia has been formidable. But the victories by Great Britain in 1958 and 1992, and England in 1995, shine out as high‐water marks of northern hemisphere achievement. They are cherished not only for the final scores, but for the stories of courage, teamwork and defiance they represent. For supporters of British and English rugby league, these wins are treasured. As the rivalry enters a new chapter (with upcoming series and renewed hope), one can hope that further “great wins” may yet join this list.
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