World of Boxing and Rugby Union
Rugby Union World Cup - 1995
Quick facts about the finals:
Venue - Ellis Park
Participating - 52
Countries
Result - South Africa 15 - New Zealand 12
Captain - Francois Pienaar
Coach - Kitch Christie
Referee - Ed Morrison (England)
The third World Cup was for many more emotional than either of the first two. It officially proclaimed the return of South Africa to the world rugby stage, and was held in South Africa. Australia were favorites to win after 12 months of unbeaten test rugby.
However, the Springboks proved they hadn’t lost their touch during their years of isolation as they beat defending champions Australia 27-18 in the opening match.
Pool play saw some incredible performances but the joy of the Cup was marred when the Ivory Coast's Max Brito was paralyzed in a game against Tonga.
The tournament continued and the man who was to become the icon of the 1995 World Cup and rugby union turned out to be New Zealand's youthful, massive left wing, Jonah Lomu. The 20 year old certainly left his mark on international rugby and scored tries practically at will.
England played Australia in the quarter final. Ron Andrew's drop goal in the final minutes knocked Australia out of the cup and they then went on to destroy Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
The highlight of Jonah Lomu's RWC was probably against England when he practically tore them apart. In an amazing first 20 minutes of rugby he first scored a try after running over two England players and scored 4 tries in 15 minutes to put a promising England run to an end and put New Zealand in the final again. However, in the other semi-final South Africa had beat France after a terrible rain storm. Interestingly if the game had not been played, France would have gone through due to a better disciplinary record.
The final played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg between New Zealand and the hosts saw the match stand at 9-9 after 80 minutes. The match would go into extra-time and it came down the Springboks flyhalf Joel Stransky, who kicked the winning drop goal for 15-12 South Africa victory.
Who can forget Nelson Madela released after 27 years in prison, wearing a copy of the springbocks captain's shirt with a number 6 on the back presenting the trophy in Johannesburg on Saturday June 24th to Francois Pienaar the South African Captain and thanking the SA team for what they had done for the country. “1 team 1 country”. Then a party started that lasted for days.
Interestingly two things happened 2 weeks after the final, firstly news of a mystery illness impacting all but 4 of the New Zealand team and management emerged and secondly 500 of the world’s best players were signed up by super league after being offered large sums of money, the amateur game was cracking at the seams.