Greatest World Cup XV

Arguably the most exciting full-back to grace the game, the Venezuelan-born Frenchman appeared in two Rugby World Cups and scored one of the tournament’s greatest ever tries – in 1987 to win the semi-final against Australia, which emphasised his deceptive yet blistering speed. Still France’s record tryscorer with 38 from 93 Tests.

As outspoken off the pitch as he was brilliant on it, ‘Campo’ was one of the main reasons the Wallabies won the 1991 Rugby World Cup. His semi-final performance against New Zealand was sensational as he made one try and scored another. Second in the all-time Test tryscorers list with 64 from 101 games, which included 10 in 15 RWC matches.

It was hard to omit Jason Little and so break up an outstanding Australia centre partnership, but then Sella was an exceptional player, blessed with scorching pace, bewitching handling skills and robust defence. Played in 111 Tests and made 14 appearances in three Rugby World Cups, with second place in 1987 his best result.

As a double Rugby World Cup winner – in 1991 and 1999, the latter after a serious knee injury – there can surely be no dispute over the occupant of the number 12 jersey. A superb all-round player who formed match-winning pairings with Jason Little and Daniel Herbert, scoring 30 tries in 80 Tests.

There have been more prolific wings, but few who have shaken rugby to the core as the 6ft 5in, 19st giant did at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. His four-try semi-final blitz of England is legendary and he went on to cap that with a record-breaking eight touchdowns in RWC 1999. The competition’s leading tryscorer with 15 from 11 games.

There are some stand-out candidates for this jersey, but Lynagh is the choice because of his all-round qualities and Rugby World Cup form. Not as reliable a goalkicker as some, but his ability to launch his line was seen at its best in Australia’s RWC 1991 success – as was his eye for a try. Finished his career with 911 points from 72 Tests, including 195 from 15 World Cup games.

Tall for a scrum-half at 6ft 1in, but he set new standards for the role with his lethal attacking and powerful defence. Was a key figure in the Springboks’ 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph and went on to play in two more tournaments. When he retired after RWC 2003, he headed South Africa’s caps and tries lists with 89 and 38 respectively.

Born Jacobus Petrus du Randt, he soon became known as ‘Os’ (ox in Afrikaans) because of his physique. Weighing in at nearly 20 stone, he was the cornerstone of the Springboks’ scrum for 13 years when he wasn’t injured, winning 80 caps and appearing in both South Africa’s Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1995 and 2007.

A formidable competitor, leader and hooker, who held the All Blacks caps (92) and captaincy (51) records until Richie McCaw overtook both recently. A member of New Zealand’s World Cup-winning team in 1987, he then went on to skipper them in the 1995 final when they were beaten by South Africa despite being favourites.

Equally adept on either side of the scrum, but gets the tight-head slot on this occasion. A fabulous England career lasted 14 years and brought 114 caps, a world best for a forward. It included a Rugby World Cup record 22 appearances in four tournaments, the highlights of which were final appearances in 1991 and 2003, the second as an extra-time substitute and a winner.

An inspirational figure in England’s Rugby World Cup victory in 2003 both as captain and lock. He led by example, never asking his team to do anything he wouldn’t do, and his leadership qualities were so great that he is still the only player to skipper the British and Irish Lions twice. His 84 England Tests included 18 RWC matches.

A close call this with Springbok Victor Matfield, but Eales wins because of his amazing range of skills. A superb line-out and scrum practitioner, he could also pass, tackle and kick goals, amassing 173 points in 86 Tests. In addition, he was an intelligent captain, leading Australia to their 1999 Rugby World Cup win, which came eight years after his first RWC trophy.

His international career was comparatively brief – he played only 29 Tests – but what an impact he made in that short time, captaining South Africa to their emotional home triumph in the 1995 Rugby World Cup on their return to the global stage. It wasn’t only his captaincy that impressed, though, but also his brave, rock-solid defence.

After winning one cap for Samoa, Jones redefined the open-side flanker’s role when he became an All Black due to his speed, physicality and handling ability. Scored the Rugby World Cup’s first try in 1987 and went on to gain a winner’s medal that year. Would have played more than seven RWC games and 56 Tests but for his decision not to play on Sundays for religious reasons.

An incredibly skilful player who combined the power of a forward with the dexterity of a threequarter – never more so than when he dropped an extraordinary 47-metre goal against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup semi-final. Also played in the 1987 and 1991 tournaments, although not in the former’s final.