England’s Owen Farrell (C) reacts to conceding another try during the Six Nations international rugby union match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, south-west London, on March 11, 2023. – France won the game 53-10. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Who are the biggest Rugby World Cup chokers?
The Rugby World Cup has borne witness to blood, sweat and tears since its inception in 1987. The Springboks have wept from joy on four occasions, but two other sides have been on the losing side thrice.
England’s Owen Farrell (C) reacts to conceding another try during the Six Nations international rugby union match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, south-west London, on March 11, 2023. – France won the game 53-10. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
The Rugby World Cup has witnessed blood, sweat and tears since its inception in 1987. The Springboks have wept from joy on three occasions, but two other sides have been on the losing side thrice.
ICYMI: Every RWC winner since 1987
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST RUGBY WORLD CUP CHOKERS?
The William Webb Ellis trophy isn’t for everyone. South Africa has four titles, the most of any nation. France and England share the dubious honour of having lost the most finals, three apiece. Is England the biggest choker in history? The Springboks got the better of them in this year’s verve-jangling semi-final after eventually defeating France 29-28 in what will go down as one of rugby’s greatest-ever matches.
TRIVIA: 10 Springboks started the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup finals, can you name them though?
SPRINGBOKS HEAD THE ROLL OF HONOUR
Here’s the honours roll of all champions and the team they vanquished that year, starting in 1987.
- 1987: New Zealand beat France
- 1991: Australia beat England
- 1995: South Africa beat New Zealand
- 1999: Australia beat France
- 2003: England beat Australia
- 2007: South Africa beat England
- 2011: New Zealand beat France
- 2015: New Zealand beat Australia
- 2019: South Africa beat England
- 2023: South Africa beat New Zealand
SPRINGBOKS: PSDT is a ‘f***ing machine’
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