Rugby's biggest shocks! 10 utterly incredible upsets from rugby history including Japan vs. South Africa

Rugby’s biggest shocks! 10 utterly incredible upsets from rugby history

7) Western Samoa 16 Wales 13, 1991 World Cup (group stage)

Wales’s crushing defeat to Western Samoa was the first time a leading rugby nation had been undone in a tournament by a rank outsider. The fact the match was at Cardiff Arms Park made the win even more incredible. The sides ended the game tied a two tries a piece, but the excellent kicking performance of Mathew Vaea proved to be decisive as Samoa edged to victory by three points.


6) France 43 New Zealand 31, 1999 World Cup (semi-final)

The All-Blacks were the clear favourites heading into this semi-final and their dominant start to the match furthered this line of thinking as they led comfortably 24-10 early in the second half. However, this only makes Les Bleus comeback victory even more improbable. The star of the match was Christophe Lamaison as he single-handedly inspired his nation to triumph with a perfect kicking display. His solo efforts did not go unrecognised as he received a standing ovation from the 75,000 fans at Twickenham at the end of the match.


 5) New Zealand 18 France 20, 2007 World Cup (Quarter-final)

Les Bleus pulled off another famous and unlikely victory over the tournament favourites New Zealand in 2007 to set up a semi-final against England. France had struggled in the first half, trailing 13-3 at the break. However, following Luke McAlister’s sin bin for New Zealand, France got back level. Rodney So’oialo then restored the All Blacks lead, but a score from Yannick Jauzion soon after proved to be France’s match-winning try.

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