Rugby Union’s most memorable games

Rugby Union is an ultra-competitive sport, and it has brought us plenty of unforgettable games over the years. Today we count down the top five most memorable games, with most coming from the sport’s most prestigious tournament, the Rugby World Cup.

We review the most memorable games in Rugby Union history below.

5. France vs New Zealand (Rugby World Cup 2007)

New Zealand were all the hype in the run up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup with what was billed as the best squad to ever be sent to a World Cup. No one was predicted to stand in their way, and in this quarter-final matchup, the All Blacks were heavy favourites.

The first half was closely contested but the All Blacks were dominant and racked up a 10-3 lead, seemingly well on their way to the semi-finals. France however had two turns of fate, with New Zealand’s Luke McAlister receiving a yellow card leading to France equalling the score and then the brilliant choice to bring on Frederic Michalak.

Michalak has a huge impact, making a break which led to the controversial second French try, with some claiming there was a forward pass involved. Regardless, France managed to edge out the win with the game ending 20-18.

Not only was it a shock defeat for New Zealand’s supposed star squad, but it marked their worst ever performance at a world cup, being unable to reach the semi-finals for the only time to this day. This game will surly live on in the memory for decades to come, especially for Les Bleus!

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4. Italy vs France (Six Nations 2011)

The only Six Nations game which made the list had to be the most outrageous and entertaining, and that’s exactly what Italy against France in 2011 provided. What was incredibly remarkable about the game was that France had won the Six Nations the year prior and went on to reach the world cup final later that year.

France led 8-6 at half time thanks to Vincent Clerc’s chip and chase try, and then another 10 points from Morgan Parra gave Les Bleus a comfortable 18-6 lead with just 20 minutes remaining in the match.

Italy’s comeback was unrivalled in tension and drive, with Andrea Masi scoring a screamer in the corner and then Micro Bergamasco’s perfect kicking narrowing the game to two points. Parra extended the lead to five for France before Bergamasco converted two penalties in the final 10 minutes of play, securing Italy their first win over France in a Six Nations match and arguably the nation’s best victory ever, with the final score 22-21.

3. Japan vs South Africa (Rugby World Cup 2015)

At the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, the greatest upset in rugby union history occurred at the Pool B meeting between Japan and South Africa in Brighton. Japan were on an 18 World Cup game losing streak prior to this fateful game, so to say South Africa were heavy favourites would be an understatement.

South Africa drove over the line to score the first try, drawing ahead of Japan early in the game. Both nations went back and forth scoring tries, with the scoreboard equal at 19-19 in the 53rd minute. The score was 22-22 when South Africa broke through the line with a textbook try to take the lead 29-22, before an outstanding response from Japan to bring the nations level once more.

Japan then did the unthinkable, scoring a try in the 84th minute to seal the victory 34-32 in one of the most outrageous upsets the sport has ever witnessed, making ripples beyond the usual rugby crowd with the magnitude of the achievement. Japan’s coach at the time, Eddie Jones, even arguably secured his role as England coach based on this famous upset.

2. South Africa vs New Zealand (Rugby World Cup Final 1995)

New Zealand entered the world cup as favourites following a dominant performance over England. Despite the star-studded All Blacks squad, South Africa kept them to no tries. New Zealand’s defence was equally remarkable, also allowing no Springbok tries.

The game was a cagey affair and by the time the full-time whistle blew the two teams were tied at 9 points apiece. What followed was the first ever overtime in Rugby World Cup history. Both teams slotted a penalty between the posts bringing the score level once again to 12-12.

Enter Joel Stransky, who masterfully delivered the final nail in the coffin for the All Blacks with a drop goal to bring South Africa ahead 15-12 just a couple of minutes before the final whistle, making history for his nation. This was a monumental moment for the country, with Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy to Francois Pienaar and simultaneously uniting the previously divided nation.

1. England vs Australia (Rugby World Cup Final 2003)

In the last twenty years, you could ask any young rugby player from England who their rugby hero is, and you’ll likely get the same resounding answer of Johnny Wilkinson. Aside from inspiring a whole nation for generations to come, this game gave hope to the whole of the Northern Hemisphere with England becoming the first team to win the coveted Webb Ellis Trophy outside the dominant Southern Hemisphere sides.

Australia were the host nation of the tournament and had momentum going into this clash after bettering New Zealand in the semi-finals. The game was tense from start to finish, with Johnny Wilkinson floating a beautiful pass to Jason Robinson for a try assist. There was nothing separating the teams at full time with the final score 14-14.

In extra time, still nothing separated the sides with both securing a penalty to make the score 17-17 until Wilkinson produced the most iconic rugby moment of the century with his picture-perfect drop kick goal from 30 metres out with 28 seconds left of extra time. What makes the moment so iconic is that it was delivered when the stakes were at their highest, and to this day no other Northern Hemisphere side have won a Rugby World Cup.

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