Rugby League World Cup Final: Rugby Union world reacts to epic final

2 December 2017

Australia edged out England in a tight and nervy Rugby League World Cup final to retain the trophy at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

England produced a dogged and resilient performance in their first final for 22 years, but the Kangaroos held on to win an 11th world title.

Here’s how the Rugby Union world reacted to the game:

Absolute respect @England_RL 4 incredible WC campaign. A privilege 2 follow. Inspired by thought of how good this team could be by next one!

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) December 2, 2017

If Australia don’t win this I’ll sing ‘God Save the Queen’ in an England shirt & post it.. 🇦🇺🏆#RLWC2017

— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) December 2, 2017

Phew… 😅 #NeverSayingThatAgain

— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) December 2, 2017

The man @boydcordner is insane… what a player for @Kangaroos – all over @England_RL for every second of this game..

— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) December 2, 2017

Lads – you were epic!! Absolutely epic. Be proud. However tough it is right now. Be proud. Walk tall. The man in the mirror will say “you gave everything” – all you can ask for in life. @England_RL

— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) December 2, 2017

I did physics at school can someone explain how that went forward?

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) December 2, 2017

So so close, england showed everything except accuracy. Fantastic heart and physicality all game. A real missed opportunity.

— For Rucks Sake (@RucksSake) December 2, 2017

England beaten 6-0 in Rugby League World Cup final by Australia. WHAT. A. GAME! https://t.co/ku6L87NvAv pic.twitter.com/ozjAo2eJnG

— Telegraph Rugby (@TelegraphRugby) December 2, 2017

Very easy to see League players are so coveted as defence coaches in union. Incredible work rate #RLWC2017

— Neil Fissler (@neilfissler) December 2, 2017

Wow! That was a some scrap!

Absolutely heart breaking for England but they can be proud of that game. #RugbyLeagueWorldCup

— JB (@Jbeardmore) December 2, 2017

Hugely excited for @England_RL in tomorrow’s World Cup final. Individually & as a team you’ve been immense. Finish in style!

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) December 1, 2017

Good luck guys – pressure with pressure , best Clive https://t.co/jdQjzowW1M

— Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) December 2, 2017

Talk about fine margins in sport. That was some tap tackle #RugbyLeagueWorldCup

— Sonja McLaughlan (@Sonjamclaughlan) December 2, 2017

Absolute 💔 for @SamBurgess8 and the @England_RL boys today. I feel your pain boys #RLWC2017 #rugby https://t.co/5CZ3tAHYlC

— Tamara Taylor (@Timmytammy8) December 2, 2017

Intense finish to the @RLWC2017 final if you need to understand what emptying the tank means watch it! Unlucky @EnglandRL fought to the death. #RLWC2017Final

— Rachael Burford (@RachaelBurf12) December 2, 2017

Intense finish to the @RLWC2017 final if you need to understand what emptying the tank means watch it! Unlucky @EnglandRL fought to the death. #RLWC2017Final

— Rachael Burford (@RachaelBurf12) December 2, 2017

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