The 1987 Rugby World Cup was the first Rugby World Cup. It was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia – New Zealand hosted 21 matches while Australia hosted 11 matches. The tournament was won by New Zealand, who were the strong favourites and won all their matches comfortably. New Zealand defeated France 29–9 in the final at Eden Park in Auckland. The New Zealand team was captained by David Kirk and included such rugby greats as Sean Fitzpatrick, John Kirwan, Grant Fox and Michael Jones. Wales finished third, and Australia fourth, after conceding crucial tries in the dying seconds of both their semi-final against France and the third-place play-off against Wales.
Image: Eden Park cropped
Image: Athletic Park Wellington 1971
Image: Lancaster Park aerial July 2011
Image: Carisbrook
The Rugby World Cup is a men's rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the World champions of the sport.
The Webb Ellis Cup, awarded to the winner of men's Rugby World Cup.
Ireland v Argentina in 2007
A scrum between Samoa (in blue) and Wales (in red) during the 2011 World Cup
Gavin Hastings of Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match.
