Can Les Bleus finally make their mark?

Only five nations have qualified for the Rugby World Cup final since it was first held in New Zealand 33 years ago, when the All Blacks lifted the trophy with a 29-9 victory against France. Since that time those five countries have fought out the finals, but only one is conspicuous for never having claimed…

When Piennar made World Cup history

Last week, on 24 June, it was the 25th anniversary of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when Francois Piennar inspired a nation by leading South Africa to their first World Cup triumph on home soil, earning great praise for his leadership from South African president Nelson Mandela. The 1995 Rugby World Cup was the…

Yokohama Stadium 2019: South Africa 32 England 12

Siya Kolisi followed in the footsteps of Springbok legends Francois Piennar and John Smit in lifting the Webb Ellis Cup after leading South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in a one-sided victory over England in the final at the Yokohama Stadium. England started favourites after their stunning demolition of the All Blacks in the…

Eden Park 1987: New Zealand 29 France 9

France turned up for the final on the crest of a wave having defeated Australia in the semi-finals, but the energy their players had expended in that match cost them dearly in the final. New Zealand dominated from start to finish and, after the fireworks of the semis, the final failed to produce the spectacle…

Twickenham 1991: Australia 12 England 6

To get to the final England had relied on their forwards and the boot of Rob Andrew but completely threw that plan out of the window in the final, instead opting for a more open game against Australia. The plan backfired as the Wallabies won courtesy of a solitary converted try. As with the 1987…

Ellis Park 1995: South Africa 15 New Zealand 12

The 1995 tournament was seen as the dawning of a new era with post-apartheid South Africa welcomed back into the international sporting frame. The 1995 tournament was their chance to unite a nation and Springbok captain Francois Pienaar and manager Morne du Plessis worked hard to foster the feeling of the “rainbow nation”. Few moments…

Millennium Stadium 1999: Australia 35 France 12

The 1999 final was strangely reminiscent of the first, only this time France saw off New Zealand in a thrilling semi-final before being outplayed in the final by Australia. France were let down by their indiscipline in the final, allowing Wallabies full-back Matt Burke a number of kickable opportunities and he made no mistake. France…

Telstra Stadium 2003: England 20 Australia 17

England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup with a breathtaking Jonny Wilkinson drop goal just 26 seconds from the end of a thrilling final in Sydney. Millions watched around the world as captain Martin Johnson became the first player to lead a northern hemisphere side to the world title. Australia battled hard and were never…

Stade de France 2007: South Africa 15 England 6

A ruthless South Africa punished England’s ill-discipline for a tight 15-6 win over the defending champions at the Stade de France. Full-back Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and 20-year-old centre Francois Steyn one to hand the Springboks their second World Cup triumph after their victory on home soil in 1995. Despite holding their own for…

Eden Park 2011: New Zealand 8 France 7

New Zealand were crowned world champions for the first time in 24 years after squeezing past an inspired France team by a single point. Tony Woodcock’s early try and a penalty from fourth-choice fly-half Stephen Donald were enough to see the All Blacks home in an extraordinary match that defied all pre-match predictions. France produced…