Iconic Rugby World Cup moments In 1985, after a contentious vote by International Rugby Board members in Paris, the Rugby World Cup was born – almost 35 years later, the tournament has grown into one of the world’s most thrilling sporting events 1987 Kirwan inspires Kiwis New Zealand 70 Italy 6 Inaugural tournament, John Kirwan scores stunning 70-metre solo try in opening match. New Zealand go on to beat France in final to claim trophy on home turf in Auckland 1991 Wales humbled Western Samoa 16 Wales 13 Possibly biggest upset in Rugby World Cup. Minnows Western Samoa (above) beat Wales, unable to cope with athleticism and physicality of Pacific Islanders 1995 Legend of Lomu New Zealand 45 England 29 World Cup debut for 20-year-old Jonah Lomu – stellar semi-final display against England includes four tries as Lomu evades countless tackles to terrorise defence, stunned by his unabated power and pace 1995 Rainbow Nation Unites South Africa 15 New Zealand 12 Iconic moment in world sport and post-apartheid South Africa, president Nelson Mandela (left) – wearing Springbok green – presents trophy to winning captain Francois Pienaar 1999 French spirit France 43 New Zealand 31 France enthral Twickenham crowd to stage remarkable comeback, reaching World Cup final after trailing 24-10 – inspired by kicking of Christophe Lamaison 2003 Wallabies’ Masterclass Australia 142 Namibia 0 Record victory at World Cup as Australia emphasise gulf in class with dominating performance – scoring first of 22 tries after just two minutes 2003 Kicking for Glory England 20 Australia 17 England become first northern hemisphere team to win title – Jonny Wilkinson (left) sealing breathtaking drop goal victory with just 26 seconds of extra-time remaining 2007 Los Pumas Arrive Argentina 17 France 12 Argentina emerge as new rugby force, claiming third-place finish after topping “Pool of Death” – beating established rugby nations of France, Ireland and Scotland 2011 All Blacks Triumph New Zealand 8 France 7 Eden Park erupts as captain Richie McCaw (right) leads New Zealand to end 24-year wait for second World Cup 2015 Japanese Joy Japan 34 South Africa 32 Two-time champions South Africa are defeated by confident Japan team, led by captain Michael Leitch – Blossoms first World Cup win since 1991 2019 New Territory Japan hosts Rugby World Cup for first time as tournament moves outside sport’s traditional heartlands Sources: World Rugby, Scrum.com, wire agencies Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS