The Rugby World Cup is ready to kick off, promising seven weeks of exciting matches. While many teams are competing, only a few are considered real contenders for the Webb Ellis Cup, according to bookmakers.
We aimed to compare the 2003 England team to other legendary Rugby World Cup champions, such as the dominant Springboks and All Blacks or the successful Wallabies teams from the 1990s.
Here’s how the eight panelists ranked these World Cup champions:
9.SOUTH AFRICA, 2007
During the 2007 World Cup in France, the hosts, Les Bleus, had a rocky start with a loss to Argentina. However, they rallied to reach the semifinals, controversially defeating the All Blacks in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the Springboks had a smoother path, topping their pool and facing Fiji and Argentina in the knockout rounds. South Africa ultimately won a low-scoring final against England, though not without a disputed call on a Mark Cueto try.
8.NEW ZEALAND, 1987
In the first-ever Rugby World Cup, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, the All Blacks showed their dominance early. They began with a 70-6 win over Italy and continued to excel, defeating Fiji, Argentina, Scotland, and Wales. They met France in the final, where New Zealand emerged victorious, winning 29-9 in front of a packed Eden Park. This iconic image featured David Kirk, the stand-in captain, raising the Webb Ellis Cup, solidifying the tournament’s significance.
7.AUSTRALIA, 1999
Australia secured their second Rugby World Cup title in 1999, becoming the first nation to achieve this feat. The Wallabies’ success was anchored in their stout defense, conceding only one try throughout the tournament. A memorable moment from their campaign was Stephen Larkham’s remarkable 45-meter drop goal during a challenging semifinal against the Springboks. In the final, Australia relied on Matthew Burke’s accurate kicking and sealed their victory over France with a late Owen Finegan try.
6.SOUTH AFRICA, 2019
South Africa won the 2019 World Cup, becoming the first team to lose a game during the tournament and still claim the Webb Ellis Cup. After a thrilling loss to the All Blacks in their opening match, the Springboks rebounded by defeating Japan and Wales in the quarterfinals and semifinals, setting up a clash with England in the final. South Africa dominated the scrum and capitalised on England’s early loss of prop Kyle Sinckler. Cheslin Kolbe’s try sealed a memorable victory for the Springboks.
5.NEW ZEALAND, 2011
In the 2011 World Cup hosted in New Zealand, the All Blacks faced immense pressure, compounded by star fly-half Dan Carter’s tournament-ending groin injury. Carter’s injury was sustained during practice, setting off a series of casualties at the No. 10 position. In a dramatic final against France at Eden Park, New Zealand relied on Stephen Donald, who kicked them to an 8-7 win. After 24 years of World Cup heartache, the All Blacks celebrated their victory, with captain Richie McCaw playing through immense pain due to a foot injury.
4.AUSTRALIA, 1991
The Wallabies’ 1991 World Cup team featured legendary Australian rugby names, including Kearns, Eales, Poidevin, Farr-Jones, Lynagh, Horan, and Campese. Australia achieved a unique feat in the tournament, beating two nations on their home turf during the knockout stage. They first defeated Ireland at Lansdowne Road in the quarterfinals and then overcame the All Blacks with Campese’s over-the-shoulder pass to Horan leading to a crucial score. In the final at Twickenham, the Wallabies defeated England 12-6, securing their second World Cup title.
3.ENGLAND, 2003
England remains the only northern hemisphere nation to win the Webb Ellis Cup. In the 2003 World Cup held in Australia, England entered as strong favourites after winning matches both in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres leading up to the tournament. They comfortably progressed through the pool stage and defeated a free-flowing Wales in the quarterfinals. Jonny Wilkinson’s precise kicking played a crucial role, particularly in the semifinal against France on a rainy Sydney night. After Australia shocked the All Blacks in the other semifinal, England faced the Wallabies in a repeat of the 1991 final. This time, the Wallabies had home-field advantage. The final, regarded as one of the greatest in the tournament’s history, ended in a 14-14 tie, leading to extra time. Wilkinson’s historic drop-goal with his less-preferred right foot secured England’s victory and solidified their dominance in the early 2000s.
2.NEW ZEALAND, 2015
The 2015 All Blacks team is a strong contender for the top spot on this list. They became the first country to win three Rugby World Cups with a dominant display of All Black rugby. Coach Steve Hansen had an exceptional group of players at his disposal. Notably, Dan Carter, who had missed out on the previous World Cup due to injury, emerged as a star in this tournament. Carter’s crucial drop goals against South Africa and Australia, particularly in the final at Twickenham, played a vital role in securing victory. The team featured legendary names like Franks, Coles, Retallick, Whitelock, McCaw, Kaino, Read, and multiple Smiths, along with Carter. This lineup ensures that the 2015 All Blacks team will be remembered as one of the greatest in rugby history.
1.SOUTH AFRICA, 1995
The 1995 Springboks team stands out as the greatest Rugby World Cup champion. The iconic moment of Francois Pienaar lifting the Webb Ellis Cup with President Nelson Mandela celebrating behind him is etched in sports history. This victory was more than just a rugby triumph; it symbolized South Africa’s resurgence in the sporting world after years of isolation. The impact of this win extended far beyond the game itself, making it special. The legacy of the dramatic 15-12 victory lives on, even inspiring a Hollywood movie with Matt Damon portraying Pienaar.