The Rugby World Cup is around the corner. The first World Cup hosted in Asia promises to be a colourful affair with the world’s best players battling for the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Current holders and tournament favourites New Zealand will be looking to make history by winning their third consecutive title.
Here at Exclusive Memorabilia we are massive rugby fans and have chosen our unforgettable moments from the Rugby World Cup.
South Africa 1995 – An Iconic Moment in Sport
The first major sporting event to take place after the apartheid, it has been dubbed as the ‘game that united a nation’. A truly iconic moment in sport. Joel Stransky kicked the winning drop goal in extra time for South Africa. Nelson Mandela presented the trophy to the team wearing a Springbok rugby shirt and cap. A great story of rugby uniting a racially divided country. A moment that will live forever.
Jonny Wilkinson Kick in 2003
The iconic drop-kick. Instantly becoming an England hero, the last-minute kick on his weaker foot is the greatest moment in English rugby.
To win the match in the dying moments of the game, the kick still gives us goosebumps.
Japan beating South Africa 2015
From the previous World Cup, we have chosen The Cherry Blossoms beating the Springboks.
One of the biggest upsets in International Rugby, Japan managed to beat South Africa 34-32 with an overtime try. Japan’s impressive win was their first in the World Cup for 14 years. It has been regarded as one of the biggest upsets in rugby.
New Zealand vs Tonga 2015
World Cup Another Exclusive Memorabilia favourite. Haka meets Sipi Tau.
The pre-match warrior rituals before kick-off were a spine-tingling moment. A video that will get you hair standing on end.
Jonah Lomu vs England 1995
The match introduced one of rugby’s greatest ever players to the international stage. Lomu burst on the scene with this memorable performance.
During the tournament, he scored seven tries in five matches, previously only making two appearances before the tournament. He shares the Rugby World Cup all-time try-scoring record with 15 tries from only two tournaments.
France revival against New Zealand 1999
The All Blacks took a 24-10 lead against Les Bleus in the semi-final. As expected, New Zealand well on their way to a comfortable win, but France had other plans.
An inspired performance from Christophe Lamaison was key to the French comeback. Les Bleus scored 33 points with no reply and that was more than enough to knock out the favourites and progress to the finals. The final score was 43-31.
John Kirwan’s solo try for New Zealand v Italy 1987
Arguably the most memorable try from a Rugby World Cup. John Kirwan receives the ball near his own posts and goes on a mazy run blasting past the whole Italian team. An iconic moment from the first-ever Rugby World Cup.
We are excited to see what Rugby World Cup 2019 brings and we’re sure it will provide more memorable moments.
Find all our rugby memorabilia, signed by rugby legends including Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Zinzan Brooke and more. The perfect gift for any rugby fan.