Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Saturday 13 November 1954, page 4


Australia

Beaten In World

Cup Series

NANTES, Friday.

The Australian Rugby League team, which was eliminated by France today from the World Cup, was sure that France will win the trophy,

France took all chances to beat Australia 15-5 and thus reach the grand final of the Rugby League World Cup.

The result might easily

have been reversed for bad decisions, and mistakes by players at critical moments cost the Kangaroos two tries and a goal.

France will play Britain tomorrow in the grand final, each having won two matches and drawn one.

Most of the Australians toured France 18 months ago, and they are now convinced that they have little chance of beating the Frenchmen in their own country, even with English referee.

"In Australia, the referee leans over backwards to give the French every chance, but in this country we never have even a fair go," one player remarked after the match.