Seven iconic moments from past tournamentsLast updated on : 18/09/2015
 
    Use arrow keys to navigateSwipe left and right to navigate
1987: Serge Blanco’s winning try in the semi-final, Sydney. This superb match was tied 24-24 after France had come back three times. Extra-time seemed inevitable. But France advanced from their own 22m line and passed across the width of the field for Blanco to score in the corner.AFP1991: David Campese’s blind pass in the semi-final, Dublin. The Australia wing had already scored his side’s first try before, when again running at the New Zealand defence, he drew three players and threw a blind pass over his shoulder for Tim Horan to score.AFP1995: Nelson Mandela hands Web Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar, Johannesburg: A moment that transcended sport. President Mandela dons a Springbok jersey - for many black South Africans a symbol of the apartheid regime that imprisoned him for 27 years - to unite a nation after South Africa's 15-12 win.Reuters1999: France beat New Zealand in semi-final, London. Arguably the greatest match in history. The All Blacks – clear favourites before the game - were 24-10 ahead at half-time. But in an incredible comeback France scored 33 points to win 43-31. They outscored the Kiwis by four tries to two.PA Photos2003: Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal to win the tournament, Sydney. With the scores tied at 17-17 in extra-time and 26 seconds left on the clock, Matt Dawson passed the ball back to Wilkinson who kicked a drop goal with his right foot – his dominant side is his left – to win the title. Nerveless.Reuters

Slide here to skip

 
2007: Argentina finish third, Paris: After beating the French in their group and then reaching the semi-finals, the Pumas, never considered a front-line rugby nation before this point, repeated the feat in the third-place play-off by defeating the hosts 34-10. A huge shock.Reuters2011: Stephen Donald, fourth-choice fly-half, kicks Kiwis to glory, Auckland: The No 10 was on a fishing trip when a series of injuries led to his call-up to the squad. He came on in the 34th minute of the final, as a substitute for Aaron Cruden, and kicked a penalty as the hosts beat France 8-7.Reuters
Did you enjoy this slideshow ?
Share it!
 
More slideshows