World Cup Rugby Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1987

The Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand, and ended the importance of winning a Grand Slam in Britain (ie, defeating England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), as it gave the title of World Champions to the winner. Australia won the Grand Slam for thr first time in 1984 (the last time it was won), with Mark Ella becoming the first person to score a try in all four internationals.

Answer: New Zealand

The All Blacks had been an invincible force in the past and could now prove that they were the world beaters. NZ defeated the valiant French 29-9.

Answer: Australia

Led by greats such as David Campese, Tim Horan, Michael Lynagh, and captain Nick Farr-Jones, Australia won a tight final against England, winning 12-6.

Answer: South Africa

Held in South Africa, the final (against New Zealand) featured an appearance by President Nelson Mandela wearing captain Francois Pienaar's jersey. After the final whistle, the Boks formed a circle and prayed. Score = 15-12.

Answer: Australia

Australia won comfortably against France (35-12) in the final, after defeating the Springboks in the semis with a drop goal and penalty in extra time. The valiant French had to defeat the mighty All Blacks to reach the final.

Answer: False

Unfortunately the passionate Irish have never cracked a semi-final berth, only reaching the quarter-finals in 1987, 1991, and 1995. They failed to reach that stage in '99, with a surprise loss to 'Los Pumas' (Argentina).

Answer: 15

The starting line-up holds 15 players, with seven reserves. This rule applies for all international, provincial and club matches. The idea of reserves has been around since the early days of rugby, traced back to the early 1900s (no fixed date on 7 reserve introduction).

Answer: True

Doesn't exactly instill fear into the opponents does it? But the Japanese hold claim to some world class players such as flyhalf Andy Miller and have qualified for all the RWC's, consistently topping the Asian qualifying rounds.

Answer: True

The Canucks defeated the hapless Namibia who were playing in their first World Cup.

Answer: 2

The Australian coach Eddie Jones, and Irish national coach Eddie O'Sullivan were both popular newspaper items during the pool matches. A little confusing sometimes.