The Best World Cup Rugby Finalists of All Time
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 07 November 2024
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
The Rugby World Cup final is the pinnacle of rugby union achievements. Every four years, the top World Cup rugby finalists from across the globe battle through several stages to become the champion and holder of the Webb Ellis Cup. Since the inaugural tournament in 1987, we’ve witnessed memorable clashes, masterful plays, and epic performances that have gone down in history. We’ve covered the top ten finals games in this comprehensive guide.
Intro to the Best Rugby World Cup Final Games
Before highlighting the best rugby World Cup final games, we’ve provided some background into the tournament. From here, we’ve explained how the finals format works, which is an important element to understand if you plan on betting on the games.
After, we’ve described the top 10 finals games, focusing on the most memorable moments and standout players. To round out the guide, we’ve discussed how these games have impacted the history of rugby union. Use the following links to jump to each section or keep scrolling to learn it all.
The History of the Rugby World Cup Finals
The Rugby World Cup was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. It has since grown to become one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. It is held every four years and involves weeks of intense competition, culminating in a finals game played by the top two teams.
The inaugural event was won by New Zealand, which defeated France 29-9. Australia won the second finals by defeating host nation England 12-6. The third series was held in South Africa, which was a significant event that represented post-apartheid unity in the nation. South Africa went on to win the World Cup that year.
The World Cup rugby finalists have played in countless gripping competitions since then. In 1999, Australia became the first team to win the World Cup twice, while England became the first Northern Hemisphere team to win in 2003. Since then, the finals have been dominated by Southern Hemisphere teams.
New Zealand became the first to win three World Cup titles in 2015, and in 2023, South Africa became the first to win four. The next series is set to be hosted in Australia in 2027, with the host nation hoping to break its 28-year winning drought.
The Format of the Rugby World Cup Finals
While only 16 teams initially participated in the rugby World Cup final games, recent series have seen 20 of the top-ranked teams compete. In 2027, this is set to expand to 24 teams for the first time. The tournament sees teams divided into four pools, with the top two from each pool advancing to the quarter-finals.
The competition continues in knockout stages through the semi-finals and the grand final, where the World Cup champion is crowned. There is also a bronze final to determine third place. Keep this in mind when you wager at sportsbooks with rugby betting.
The 10 Best Rugby World Cup Past Winners
With 10 World Cup tournaments now being held, there have been plenty of memorable games played over the years. In this section, we’ve highlighted the top 10, discussing some of the games’ most thrilling moments or iconic players.
1999: Australia vs. France
Held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Australia’s showstopping 35-12 victory over France displayed the Wallabies at the peak of their powers. Tries from Ben Tune and Owen Finegan secured Australia’s second World Cup title win, along with the boot of Matt Burke. The tense game saw Australia’s star defense lineup regularly thwart France’s unpredictable attack, which made them the first World Cup winner to secure two Webb Ellis trophies.
2007: South Africa vs. England
In 2007, South Africa defeated England with a 15-6 victory before a capacity crowd at the Stade de France, Paris. The game is noted for being tryless, with South Africa’s tactical strategy relying on Percy Montgomery’s reliable kicking. The Springbok defense also thwarted England’s relentless yet ineffective offense, and the intense match is remembered for being the lowest-scoring final in World Cup history.
2011: New Zealand vs. France
As one of the best rugby teams of all time, New Zealand’s win over France in front of a home audience in Auckland was one to remember. The team ended their 24-year World Cup drought with a nail-biting 8-7 victory over France, with the team holding on to a one-point lead for most of the second half. Tony Woodcock’s try and a penalty from Stephen Donald held off France’s side, despite the relentless push from their opponents.
1987: New Zealand vs. France (Eden Park, Auckland)
Interestingly, the inaugural World Cup final also featured New Zealand and France, with the All Blacks dominating with a 29-9 score. The history-making win was aided by players John Kirwan and Michael Jones, who both scored tries. The game was one of immense speed and skill, and despite the final score, France’s performance displayed resilience and fortitude. This game set the standard for all finals to follow.
2015: New Zealand vs. Australia
Before a crowd in London, this all-Antipodean final made history in that New Zealand became the first team to win back-to-back championships and the first to win three World Cups. The All Blacks dominated their neighbor opponents for most of the game, with the final score ending on a 34-17 scoreline. Dan Carter’s drop goal and penalty in the final quarter sealed the win, denying rugby World Cup past winners Australia their first shot at the cup in nearly 20 years.
1995: South Africa vs. New Zealand
A year after apartheid ended, the rugby World Cup final was held in South Africa. The significance of the event transcended the sporting world, and Springboks’ 15-12 victory over the All Blacks was a proud moment for the nation re-emerging on the world stage. The victory was secured by Joel Stransky’s drop goal in extra time, with the iconic image of Nelson Mandela handing the trophy to captain Francois Pienaar going down in history.
2023: South Africa vs. New Zealand (Stade de France, Paris)
Proving to be the best World Cup rugby finalists of all time, South Africa’s latest performance may be one of the best in the tournament’s history. The team secured a 12-11 victory over New Zealand in a competition to be the first team to secure four World Cup wins. The match showcased two of the best teams’ formidable talents, with South Africa winning through its defensive prowess. The game was tryless and was secured thanks to Handré Pollard’s four penalties.
2003: England vs. Australia
In what is considered to be one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, England’s 20-17 victory over rugby World Cup past winners Australia in front of a Sydney crowd was history-making. For much of the game’s duration, neither team was able to secure a considerable advantage. It was won by a last-minute drop goal by Jonny Wilkinson and remains the only World Cup win by a Northern Hemisphere team.
1991: Australia vs. England
In the second World Cup tournament, Australia secured their position as a rugby union powerhouse with a 12-6 victory over England. The game displayed tactical brilliance on both teams’ part, with Australia’s David Campese’s run to set up Tony Daly’s only try of the match particularly impressive. England’s kicking game was also strong, though they were ultimately ineffective at breaking the Wallabies’ defense.
2019: South Africa vs. England
South Africa’s 32-12 victory over England was a masterclass in dominant rugby play, and from the get-go, it was clear that England didn’t stand a chance. The Springboks’ scrum decimated England, setting up late tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe – the first tries scored by the regular World Cup finalists in a final game.
The Impact of These Games on Rugby History
The Rugby World Cup final does not only have a significant place among rugby fans but has also proven to be a powerful reflection of the changing world. This is mostly seen in South Africa, with the team’s post-apartheid win in 1995 and win under black captain Siya Kolisi in 2019 resonating powerfully within the nation.
The matches also pit intense rivals up against one another, whether it be Australia and New Zealand, England and France, or Australia and England. Over the decades, the games have developed regarding strategy and power, and finals have also been instrumental in helping the sport to grow in popularity across the world.
