IF you’re confused by all the green shirts being worn around town, then you’re obviously not following the Rugby World Cup.
Let me catch you up – South Africa beat Wales on Sunday to make it into the finals, which will be taking place tomorrow (Saturday).
There is much excitement, but also much trepidation. But don’t go into this weekend blind – here’s a quick overview of the Rugby World Cups to date so you can join in the banter!
• 1987: New Zealand beat France 29-9 in Australia
The idea of a Rugby World Cup was first discussed in 1985 by the International Rugby Football Board (now World Rugby) and two years later, 16 nations participated for the first grip of the Web Ellis Cup. Talking point: David Kirk scores a try against France in the final.
• 1991: Australia beat England 12-6 in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France
Rather than one host nation, this Rugby World Cup was held in five countries, but it was the Southern Hemisphere that would take the title. Talking point: Australian David Campese knocked down the ball with a penalty awarded to England. These were the last points the English would score in the match.
• 1995: South Africa beat New Zealand 15-12 in South Africa
If you don’t know about this game then you definitely need to read this blog! A newly democratic South Africa was allowed to compete in the Rugby World Cup for the first time and also played host to the tournament. Captained by Francois Pienaar, the Bokke managed to make it to the finals against the mighty All Blacks. Talking point: Going into extra time it was Joel Stransky’s dropgoal that would seal South Africa’s first-ever win.
• 1999: Australia beat France 35-12 in Wales
The first Rugby World Cup since the game turned professional saw South Africa knocked out in the semi-finals and the French heading into their second Rugby World Cup final, only to be destroyed 35-12 by the Wallabies. Talking point: Not a great tournament with the most lopsided final score.
• 2003: England beat Australia 20-17 in Australia
In an unsurprising finish, the Northern Hemisphere finally took home the trophy after beating the hosts in a tight final. England were the favourites going in, having beaten New Zealand, Australia and South Africa (quite convincingly by 53-3) in games leading up to the final. Talking point: Johnny Wilkinson was the golden boy with the golden boot, winning the game with a dropgoal.
• 2007: South Africa beat England 15-6 in France
The reigning champions made it to the final once again, only to be ousted by the favourites – the Bokke. It was a boot-dominated match with most of the points scored by Johnny Wilkinson and Percy Montgomery, although it was Francois Steyn’s try that gave the Bokke the edge. Talking point: England player Mark Cueto’s try was disallowed – a debatable decision – but one that gave the Bokke the win.
• 2011: New Zealand beat France 8-7 in New Zealand
The host nation was under massive pressure to take the win and captain Richie McCaw ensured this was to be. The final was a closely-contested match ending with only 8-7 on the scoreboard. Talking point: Having not won a World Cup final since 1987, despite being the best team in-between tournaments, the All Blacks had to end the drought, which they did thanks to Woodcock’s try.
• 2015: New Zealand beat Australia 34-17 in England
With the drought broken, there was nothing stopping the All Blacks, although the final against their traditional rivals was hard-fought. Talking point: This was not only the third win for the All Blacks, but the first time any team has won two World Cups in a row.
2019: South Africa v England in Japan
This is the second time in 12 years that the two teams are meeting in a final. It’s going to be a tough match tomorrow with England going in as the favourites, but World Cup finals are traditionally unpredictable, and South Africa loves playing from the underdog position, so the Bokke are in with a chance.
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