Rugby World Cup chokers
The Rugby World Cup has borne witness to blood, sweat and tears since its inception in 1987. The Springboks have wept from joy on three occasions, but two other sides have been on the losing side thrice.
The Rugby World Cup has witnessed blood, sweat and tears since its inception in 1987. The Springboks have wept from joy on three occasions, but two other sides have been on the losing side thrice.
ICYMI: Every RWC winner since 1987
ICYMI: Breaking Springboks news bulletin on 24 October
Who are the biggest Rugby World Cup chokers?
The William Webb Ellis trophy isn’t for everyone. New Zealand and South Africa are the joint-most successful sides with three titles apiece, while France and England share the dubious honour of having lost the most finals, also three apiece. Is England the biggest choker in history? The Springboks got the better of them in this year’s verve-jangling semi-final after eventually defeating France 29-28 in what will go down as one of rugby’s greatest-ever matches.
ABS vs SPRINGBOKS: H2H record, Memorable meetings, Madiba magic
SPRINGBOKS HEAD THE ROLL OF HONOUR
Here’s the honours roll of all champions and the team they vanquished that year, starting in 1987.
- 1987: New Zealand beat France
- 1991: Australia beat England
- 1995: South Africa beat New Zealand
- 1999: Australia beat France
- 2003: England beat Australia
- 2007: South Africa beat England
- 2011: New Zealand beat France
- 2015: New Zealand beat Australia
- 2019: South Africa beat England
DEBATE: Why Libbok must start the RWC final
RWC 1995: Madiba Magic!
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