4. New Zealand 29 – 9 France: 1987 Rugby World Cup Final
The inaugural Rugby World Cup Final saw the Web Ellis trophy lifted for the first time, with the All Blacks crowned as first ever World Champions. This emphatic score-line stood as the benchmark for Rugby World Cup Final dominance, with the 20-point deficit only ever replicated once again (more on that later, Springboks fans).
The All Blacks were comfortably the best team in the world ahead of the 1987 competition, and they rightfully knew it as well. New Zealand wanted a pedestal to place themselves upon, as their global dominance coupled with an eagerness to be crowned as champions, became major driving forces towards the the tournament’s inception.
It was decided that the first ever Rugby World Cup would be held across New Zealand and Australia, with the final to be played in the spiritual home of the All Blacks, Auckland’s Eden Park. New Zealand dominated the opposition during the competition, recording 70-6 and 74-13 wins over Italy and Fiji. Argentina proved a tougher test, yet were still despatched of 46-15.
The All Blacks then cruised past IRFB founding members Scotland and Wales in the knock-out stages, before their coronating match against France. Les Bleus were exhausted, after their semi-final heroics saw them surpass Australia 30-24, in what is considered to be the best match of the entire debut competition.
The All Blacks took a 9-0 lead into half-time after a cagey 40 minutes. A try from Michael Jones and added extras from the boot of fly half Grant Fox created the separation at the break. France’s Didier Camberabero slotted a penalty promptly after the re-start, yet the floodgates soon opened in favour of the All Blacks. The dominant set-piece proved vital, as this opened up gaps in the defence that David Kirk and John Kirwan capitalised upon for two additional tries.
Fox’s persistent goal kicking took the match out of sight, and the All Blacks received their formal recognition as officially the best international rugby team in the world.
