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Highlights of the 1987 Rugby World Cup, Get Ready For 2011!
Highlights of the 1987 Rugby World Cup, Get Ready For 2011!
The inaugural Rugby World Cup held in 1987 is still regarded by many fans as the most memorable.
Queenstown,
Otago,
New Zealand
(sardnews.org)
31/08/2011
The inaugural Rugby World Cup held in 1987 is still regarded by many fans as the most memorable. Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the 1987 RWC saw 7 International Rugby Board member nations and 9 non-board nations compete for the top prize in world rugby. The tournament hosted the likes of Australia, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, Canada, Fiji, Italy, Japan, Romania, Tonga, the United States and Zimbabwe. South Africa was a notable exception due to an anti-apartheid boycott.
The tournament kicked off on 22 May with the New Zealand All Blacks facing Italy in Auckland's Eden Park. The All Blacks annihilated their Italian counterparts, beating them 70-6.
Three matches were held the following day, with France playing Scotland, Zimbabwe facing Romania, and Australia squaring off against arch-rivals England. Of the three matches the France-Scotland one proved to be the most exciting, producing a 20-20 draw - a first in Rugby World Cup history. It would take 10 years and 211 matches for the RWC to witness another draw, which happened when Canada tied Japan in 2007.
The 1987 RWC also gave Pacific Island nations the opportunity to take centre stage at such a high profile event. The first match featuring a Pacific Island nation saw Tonga take on Canada at Napier, a game they lost 37-4. On the same day Fiji surprised everyone when they defeated Argentina 28-9. Fiji's triumph was short-lived, however, as they were smashed 74-13 by the All Blacks in their next match at Christchurch. None the less, the tiny Pacific Island nation persevered to make it into the knockout stages of the tournament with some of international rugby's biggest teams.
The knock out stages saw New Zealand take on Scotland, England play Wales, France play Fiji, and Australia face Ireland. The action came hard and fast in the quarter finals as the All Black decimated their Scottish opponents 30-3 in Christchurch; France defeated plucky Fiji 31-16 in Auckland; the Australians beat Ireland in a 35-15 drubbing in Sydney; and England lose to Wales 16-3 in Brisbane.
The semi-final between Australia and France in Sydney is considered to be an all time classic. Despite some heroic efforts by their captain David Campese, the Wallabies were upset by a close 30-24 loss to France. The second semi-final game between New Zealand and Wales held in Brisbane was a more conventional affair, with the All Blacks overwhelming the Welsh with a stonking 49-6 victory.
As the tournament started to wind down the third place play-off saw Australia beat Wales in a close 22-21 match at Rotorua. The finals cemented the All Black's reputation as the top side in international Rugby with their 29-9 triumph over France. The photo of All-Black captain David Kirk holding aloft the Webb Ellis Cup remains one of the New Zealand's most cherished sporting images.
Well we all hope the Rugby world Cup here in New Zealand will be exciting as this world cup in 1987. With the All Blacks loss to Australia for the Tri-nations on Saturday night I’m sure this is going to make for a fantastic event.
If you can get into Queenstown while visiting New Zealand for the world cup you won’t be disappointed.. If looking for accommodation in Queenstown the visit GoodStays the Queenstown Holiday Houses ( http://www.goodstays.co.nz ) specialists. There huge selection of Queenstown Holiday Homes ( http://www.goodstays.co.nz/site/PropertyList/17021/default.aspx ) can be booked online in real time so you know that you are booked and confirmed on the spot.
Company Info:
Contact: Glenn Baillie
Good Stays Queenstown
PO Box 320
Queenstown 9348
New Zealand
T: +64 3 409 0537
queenstown@goodstays.co.nz
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