2. England 3 – 16 Wales: 1987 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final
The knock-out stages of the inaugural Rugby World Cup featured a Home Nations clash, with Wales showcasing a new generation after sending off their farewells to the stars of their Golden Era. However, Wales outperformed expectations, and despatched of England in their first ever Rugby World Cup meeting. This ‘Battle of Brisbane’ witnessed three unanswered tries in favour of Wales, with back-row Gareth Roberts kick-starting the scoring for his second try of the competition.
This was followed up by former Wales record appearance holder (54 caps) Robert Jones, with the scrum half extending daylight between the old enemies. Cross-code footballer John Devereaux added the third and final Welsh try, with Paul Thorburn adding the extras from the tee. The best England could muster was three points from the boot of Jonathan Webb, as Welsh defence held strong for the duration.
Wales were subsequently eliminated in the semi-final by New Zealand, as the All Blacks sent a formidable message of intent with a 49-6 landslide. New Zealand then went on to become the first ever Rugby World Cup champions, yet Wales remember the competition best for their triumph over England.
3. England 28 – 17 Wales: 2003 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final
Returning the favour some 16 years later, England and Wales again met in the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup, with England this time coming out on top. This 2003 tournament has gone down in English rugby folklore, with the triumph over Wales occurring along the way to England’s one and only Rugby World Cup title to date.
Once again taking centre stage in the heart of Queensland, the second iteration of the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ brought this inter-twining rivalry back to Australia. Wales kept the match competitive, as tries from Stephen Jones, Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams made England fight tooth and nail for their place in the next round.
Jonny Wilkinson led from the front for England, as the hot-shot talisman slotted six penalties, converted Will Greenwood’s solo try of the match, and put all doubt aside with his 80th minute drop goal. This sent England marching on, and capped off another chapter within their long told Rugby World Cup story.