2007 Rugby World Cup

On September 8 (NZ time) at 7am, the first game of the 2007 IRB Rugby World Cup kicked off at the Stade Francais in Saint Denis, on the outskirts of Paris. The host nation France played Argentina in the first of 48 games in the tournament.

Historic whistle and coin

A historic coin and whistle was used by the referee in the opening match, Tony Spreadbury. The whistle was used in games by the 1905 All Blacks in Great Britain and has been used in every Rugby World Cup opening game since. The coin was also used in early All Blacks games. Both items are on loan from the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North.

20 teams chased the title

There will be 20 teams contesting the world cup. Eight - New Zealand, Australia, France, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, England and South Africa, are there as quarter-finalists or hosts from the 2003 World Cup. The other twelve countries came through as regional qualifiers (from Oceania, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas). See our Internet Gateway listing of competing nations.

South Africa crowned champions

South Africa emerged triumphant in the tournament, Defeating England in the final. The All Blacks lost to France in the quarter-finals and left the tournament early.

The 2011 World Cup will be played in New Zealand, and the International Rugby Board has announced 20 teams will compete.

That rugby ball

A giant rugby ball advertising New Zealand stood in front of the Eiffel Tower for 3 weeks during the running of the World Cup. The rugby ball is in effect a giant function tent showcasing New Zealand. Managed by Tourism New Zealand and designed by Mike Mizrahi, it held up to 220 people. The inflatable structure measures 25 metres long by 15 metres wide and 12 metres high. During the day the venue will be open to the public and in the evening will host trade and industry events, exhibitions, big screen viewing, functions and meetings.

NZ Gifts Giant Rugby Ball to the City of Love, see pictures and video which show how it looked.

Rugby World Cup History

Statistics

From the Official World Cup Site these statistics give historical player performance stats, team stats and match results.

The 1987 Rugby World Cup

Although international rugby has been played for well over a century, the Rugby World Cup is a relatively recent phenomenon. The first tournament took place in May and June 1987, with games played in both New Zealand and Australia. A short history from NZHistory.net.nz.