RUGBLY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINAL/New Zealand 34 Australia 20:New Zealand came from 10-0 down to gain a stunning 34-20 victory over Australia and lift the World Cup for the first time in the 54-year history of the tournament.

A 50,550 crowd at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium were shocked into disbelief after watching the Kangaroos relinquish their grip on the trophy they had held since 1972.

Fullback Lance Hohaia scored two tries, including a controversial penalty touchdown awarded by English video referee Steve Ganson, as the Kiwis ended an eight-match losing run at the hands of the arch enemy stretching back to their 24-0 Tri-Nations Series win in 2005.