Rugby World Cups 1987-2007

The RWC in four parts – No 1: Peter FitzSimons recalls some stunning cup moments

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2nd April, 2011

In the beginning, there was something called a "Rugby World Cup". And yea, verily, it was good, it was great. But in truth, in those very early days no one quite knew what it was, beyond the fact that it was bigger than a bread-box and smaller, much smaller, than a Football World Cup. What we did know was that the rugby was good! 1987 Australia and New Zealand On May 22, 1987, the first Cup game was played at Eden Park, between New Zealand and Italy. Shortly after the match began, All Blacks winger John Kirwan began a relentless charge upfield, ducking and weaving, stepping ...

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