Australia’s successful defence of the Rugby League World Cup in 1988 was the result of the nation coming full circle.

When the Aussies met New Zealand in the final on this day at Eden Park, it was with the bitter memory of having suffered a shocking loss to the All Blacks at the start of their World Cup campaign in 1985.

Needless to say, history would not repeat itself as Australia went into hostile territory and secured a 25-12 victory for their sixth Rugby League World Cup title.

Allan Langer scored two tries, along with solo efforts by Gavin Miller and Dale Shearer, while Michael O’Connor had a goal and Ben Elias converted a field goal to push Australia to another triumph.

1965: The US defeat Europe 19 1/2 to 12 1/2 in the 16th Ryder Cup.

1928: Two years after becoming the first man to hit three home runs in a World Series game, Babe Ruth repeats the feat, hitting three homers against the St Louis Cardinals.

2011: Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel wins the Formula One drivers’ championship after finishing third at the Japanese Grand Prix.