Flashback, Rugby World Cup 1991: Building on the success of 1987

Abu Dhabi: ‘It’s the world in union, the world as one’. The chorus of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s soundtrack to the 1991 Rugby World Cup appositely conveyed the growth and shared strength of purpose of the game’s second global showpiece.

Everything was on a much grander scale than 1987, from the qualifying competitions being increased, from 16 teams to 33, to the fact that five nations rather than one staged the event. England, France, Scotland, Ireland and Wales enjoyed that privilege, with only the latter failing to reach the quarter-finals. The Welsh, who had been semi-finalists in 1987, finished third in Pool 3 after suffering a stunning 16-13 loss to the then-minnows Western Samoa.

Fellow semi-finalists, Australia, four years earlier comfortably won the group ahead of the South Sea Islanders with a 100 per cent record.

Small margin of error

Elsewhere, Scotland beat Ireland to top Pool 2, while defending champions New Zealand did likewise in Pool 1 after narrowly beating England 18-12 in the opening game at Twickenham.

In Pool 4, France and Canada secured their last-eight berths — and then the drama really began.

While Scotland and New Zealand dismissed Western Samoa and Canada with the minimum of fuss, the other two ties were keenly fought affairs.

In Paris, England overpowered France 19-10 in a bruising encounter, in which fights broke out between both sets of players.

Meanwhile, a last-gasp Michael Lynagh try broke Irish hearts in Dublin, as Australia reached the semis with a 19-18 win.

The semi-finals were similarly pulsating, with England edging Scotland in Edinburgh 9-6 thanks to Rob Andrew’s drop goal with 30 minutes to go.

The Scots could have forced extra time but for a horribly fluffed penalty in front of the posts from the normally metronomic full-back Gavin Hastings.

A David Campese-inspired Australia helped the Wallabies see off the defending champions New Zealand 16-6 in the other semi in Dublin, meanwhile.

Victorious

The final at Twickenham was an altogether more dour and attritional affair; however, with Australian prop Tony Daly’s solitary try proving decisive in a 12-6 victory over England.

New Zealand derived some comfort after losing their crown by overcoming Scotland 13-6 in the third-place play-off in Cardiff.