[2] The Mal Reilly coached Great Britain started their World Cup campaign on 11 November 1989 when they defeated New Zealand 10–6 at Central Park in Wigan.

The Australians wore a non-traditional mostly white jumper with a green and gold diamond pattern in the shape of Kit supplier Umbro.

Of the selected squad, only team vice captain Allan Langer, Paul Sironen and David Gillespie had played in Australia's 1988 World Cup final win over New Zealand.

[citation needed] For the Lions, veteran Wigan outside back Joe Lydon was called into the squad late after Graham Steadman had picked up an injury and was unavailable.

The Lions took the lead early thanks to a penalty goal from Deryck Fox after a spilled bomb in front of the posts by debuting Kangaroos fullback Tim Brasher.

Great Britain were lucky to have a full complement on the field from about the 20 minute mark of the final after hooker Martin Dermott had caught Australian five-eighth Brad Fittler with an elbow to the face.

At half time, Kangaroos doctor Nathan Gibbs diagnosed a hairline fracture of his cheek bone, but cleared him to play on.

The Lions would also lose centre Gary Connolly to a leg injury which would see him replaced by a former Welsh rugby union international, John Devereux.

[4] At half time, former Welsh rugby union international turned Widnes outside back John Devereux replaced Gary Conolly with the St Helens centre succumbing to an ankle injury picked up just before halftime.

Following Meninga's conversion, the dark clouds that had moved in over Wembley opened up and the rain started pouring, not stopping until after the final siren (it would actually begin to hail immediately after the match finished).

The match was telecast live late at night throughout Australia on the Nine Network, with commentary provided by Ray Warren and former Australian test players Peter Sterling and Paul Vautin, with sideline comments from Chris Bombolas.