The Top 5 Greatest Rugby World Cup Games Ever

Since its inception in 1987, the Rugby World Cup has provided fans with unforgettable moments, breathtaking upsets, and dramatic matches that have solidified its place as one of the premier events in world sport. Over the years, the tournament has seen its fair share of epic encounters that have left audiences on the edge of their seats.

From nail-biting finishes to historic upsets, these games have etched themselves into the annals of rugby history. Here, we take a nostalgic journey through the top 10 greatest Rugby World Cup games ever.

1. 1995 Rugby World Cup Final: South Africa vs. New Zealand

Dubbed “The Mandela Match,” this final truly transcended the sport, largely due to its broader social and political implications. South Africa won the match 15-12, securing their first Rugby World Cup victory. The match was intensely competitive and was decided by a drop goal in extra time by South African fly-half Joel Stransky.

What made this victory especially poignant was the presence of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, who famously wore the Springbok jersey—a symbol traditionally associated with apartheid—to present the Webb Ellis Cup to the South African captain, Francois Pienaar. This gesture was seen as a major step in the reconciliation process between the races in South Africa.

The event was a significant moment in South African history, symbolising unity and the country’s new beginning, as it came at a time when South Africa was returning to the international stage after years of isolation due to apartheid. The story of the 1995 Rugby World Cup and Nelson Mandela’s involvement was later depicted in the film “Invictus.”

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/south-african-tourism/11237882923

2. 2003 Rugby World Cup Final: England vs. Australia

This clash for the ages took place at Stadium Australia in Sydney. It was a closely fought battle and is particularly memorable for being the only Rugby World Cup final to have been decided by a drop goal in extra time, courtesy of Jonny Wilkinson.

Embedded – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XmLqZy_kTQ

England won the match 20-17 against the defending champions Australia, marking the first time that a northern hemisphere team had won the Rugby World Cup.Wilkinson’s performance throughout the tournament, culminating in that decisive moment, remains one of the most iconic highlights in Rugby World Cup history.

They were the first Northern Hemisphere team to win the tournament, ending 16 years of dominance by Southern Hemisphere teams. While we’re on the subject, the Lions are making a trip down south very soon! You can secure your British Irish Lions Tickets 2025 here.

3. 1999 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final: France vs. New Zealand

What a classic this was. New Zealand had entered the match as strong favourites and looked set to justify that tag as they took a commanding lead. However, France staged a remarkable second-half recovery. Trailing 24-10 early in the second half, the French team launched an incredible comeback, eventually winning the match 43-31. The French performance was highlighted by a series of inspired plays and resilience, with pivotal contributions from players like Christophe Lamaison, whose scoring spree included a try, two drop goals, and several penalties and conversions.

Source: http://en.espn.co.uk/france/rugby/image/83332.html?object=12121

This game is remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history due to the dramatic nature of the comeback and the sheer unpredictability of the result.

4. 2015 Rugby World Cup Final: Japan vs. South Africa

The 2015 Rugby World Cup match between Japan and South Africa, often referred to as the “Brighton Miracle,” is one of the most memorable upsets in rugby history. This match took place on September 19, 2015, at the Brighton Community Stadium in England.

South Africa were expected to win comfortably against Japan, who had not won a World Cup game since 1991. The game, however, did not proceed as predicted. Japan displayed extraordinary determination and skill throughout the match, challenging the Springboks at every turn. The game was intensely competitive and closely scored, leading to a nail-biting finish. In the closing moments of the match, with Japan trailing by three points, they chose to reject a tying penalty kick in favor of a scrum to push for a winning try. This bold decision led to Karne Hesketh scoring a try in the final seconds of the game, securing a 34-32 victory for Japan. This win was a significant achievement for Japanese rugby and is celebrated as a landmark moment that demonstrated the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.

5. 2015 Quarter Final: Australia vs Scotland 

This one is remembered as one of the most dramatic and controversial games in the tournament’s history. Australia won the game 35-34, but the match was decided by a contentious last-minute penalty.

Scotland had played a spirited game and was leading by a point as the match approached its conclusion. However, in the dying moments, a penalty was awarded to Australia for a Scottish infringement. Bernard Foley successfully kicked the penalty, giving Australia a one-point lead and a spot in the semi-finals. The decision to award the penalty was widely debated, with many feeling that it was harsh and significantly influenced the outcome of the match.

This game is often cited for its intense competitiveness and the dramatic fashion in which it was decided, leaving Scotland just short of a semi-final berth in a match that many believed they deserved to win.

 Conclusion

With so many nail-biting moments in the World Cup, it’s a challenge to pick out the 5 best matches, but each of these is iconic in its way and remembered by fans the world over.

Exploring the greatest Rugby World Cup games ever is like flipping through the pages of an adrenaline-pumping adventure book, each chapter brimming with unexpected twists and heroic feats. These matches aren’t just sports events; they’re epic tales of resilience, teamwork, and the sheer thrill of competition.

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