Rugby World Cup 1999: Australia Emerges Victorious

The 1999 Rugby World Cup, hosted by Wales, will be etched in the annals of rugby history as a tournament that showcased unparalleled skill, breathtaking drama, and unyielding determination. Over the course of five thrilling weeks, rugby enthusiasts from around the globe were treated to a festival of sporting excellence, culminating in a dramatic final that saw the Australian Wallabies crowned champions. The tournament, featuring 20 teams from all corners of the rugby world, kicked off on October 1, 1999, with matches held in various venues across Wales and other countries of the Five Nations. From the outset, it was evident that this edition of the Rugby World Cup would deliver a brand of rugby that would captivate fans worldwide.

Pool stages

As the pool stage progressed, several memorable moments unfolded, including a nail-biting clash between England and New Zealand. In a pulsating encounter, the English team pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the formidable All Blacks by a slim margin of 30-16. This victory injected a renewed sense of belief into the English camp, while it sent shockwaves throughout the rugby community.

England

England played a descent group stage, finishing 2 points behind New Zealand in Pool B. This got them a quarter-final draw against South Africa. The Springboks were the much better team and beat England with 44-21 in this stage. Will England do better in the 2023 edition?

Semi-finals

The 1999 Rugby World Cup will perhaps be best remembered for the sensational semifinal encounter between France and New Zealand, held at Twickenham Stadium on October 31. The French, regarded as underdogs, produced a performance for the ages, stunning the All Blacks with a stunning 43-31 victory. The match witnessed France's remarkable comeback from a 24-10 halftime deficit, spearheaded by the inspirational play of Christophe Lamaison. On the other side of the semifinal draw, Australia faced South Africa in a grueling battle that stretched into extra time. The contest, which ended in a 21-21 deadlock at full time, required a sudden-death drop goal to determine the winner. In a moment of unerring accuracy, Australian fly-half Stephen Larkham struck a decisive drop goal to secure a place in the final for the Wallabies.

Rugby World Cup 1999 final

November 6, 1999, marked the pinnacle of the tournament, as the formidable Australian team faced off against France in a highly anticipated final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The match proved to be an enthralling spectacle, with both teams showcasing their flair, tenacity, and tactical prowess. The Wallabies, led by captain John Eales, demonstrated their mettle and precision, dominating possession and applying relentless pressure on the French defense. Despite a valiant effort from France, Australia emerged victorious with a final score of 35-12, securing their second Rugby World Cup title. The final was not without controversy, as French captain Abdelatif Benazzi was shown a red card for a late tackle on Australian scrum-half George Gregan. However, this did not detract from the Wallabies' stellar performance, which showcased their well-drilled backline and impenetrable defense.

Attendance

Over the entire tournament in 1999, 1.75 million fans attended the tournament. Is this 2013 edition going to do even better?