World Cup record…can they be broken - Ruck

World Cup record…can they be broken

Rugby World Cup all-time records, could they be broken? 

The World Cup comes with a whole load of records and statistics. We are going to look at a few of those records and give our shout on whether they could be potentially broken at the upcoming 2015 World Cup. 

Most points by a single team in a single match

145- New Zealand 145-17 Japan, 4th June 1995

The All Blacks crushed Japan like they have numerous different opposition to set an impressive record for the amount of points scored in one game. If anyone were going to overcome this record at the 2015 World Cup you would expect it to be New Zealand once again to break their own record, potentially when they face Namibia in the Pool stage.

Verdict: Potentially could be broken 

Most individual World Cup points

277- Jonny Wilkinson, England

Jonny Wilkinson will forever be remembered as the man who kicked England to Rugby World Cup glory in Australia in 2003, but he is also the competition’s all-time individual point scorer. His nearest threat would be New Zealand’s Dan Carter, but he is a long way off with just 109 points.

Verdict: Not a prayer

Most points in one tournament

126- Grant Fox, New Zealand

During the inaugural World Cup in 1987 New Zealand’s Grant Fox set a record that has so far failed to be broken as accumulated an astounding total of 126 points in just one competition. Nobody really stands out as someone who will be able to beat this record either.

Verdict: Unthinkable 

Most tries in one competition

8- Jonah Lomu, New Zealand (1999); Bryan Habana, South Africa (2007)

The giant All Blacks wing was rugby’s first global star with him going on to leave a lasting legacy on the record books. He burst on the scene at the 1995 World Cup with some of the most destructive performances the rugby world had ever seen. He also, with professionalism in its infancy, became rugby’s first millionaire. Eight tries was quite a total with many great players falling short in recent years, but the player who probably has the best chance is probably Australia’s try-scoring machine Adam Ashley-Cooper, who has scored 30 tries for the Wallabies.

Verdict: Small chance 

Most tries in the competition

15- Jonah Lomu, New Zealand (1995-99)

The only player with an opportunity to overtake the great Lomu is probably Springbok wing Bryan Habana. The 32-year old, who is very likely to be part of South Africa’s final World Cup squad, is five tries short of Lomu with a total of 10 scores. An encouraging Pool that includes Samoa, Japan, Scotland and the USA means if he can play at his best for the Springboks’ he will have a slender opportunity to draw level or perhaps even overtake the All Black.

Verdict: Small chance

Most appearances

22- Jason Leonard, England (1991-2003)

This is a record that is in serious doubt as New Zealand Skipper Richie McCaw eyes it up. England’s Jason Leonard, who made a total 114 caps for his country, sets the benchmark with 22 World Cup appearances. McCaw, who is currently in 16, could level with Leonard if he plays all four Pool games, the quarter-final and semi-final before surpassing the record if the All Blacks reach the final. Hypothetically there is potential for quite the story here.

Verdict: Would be epic 

Oldest player to appear in a World Cup Final

36years, 262 days- Brad Thorn, New Zealand (2011)

To play in a World Cup final at almost the age of 37 was simply outstanding, but that sums up the man. Thorn played in the All Blacks team that won the 2011 Rugby World Cup, beating France 8-7 in the final, and only just hung up his boots this year at the age of 40. This record will likely still be standing for years to come.

Verdict: No way