For 20 years, I have sat back and watched the trials and tribulations of five wonderful games of rugby that held me on the edge of my seat each time.
The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of what our game has to offer.
Bringing tens of thousands of people from around the world together ‘in union’, it offers everyone a chance to see what their country has to bring to the table and how they’ve developed since the last edition of this wondrous event.
In 1991, I was treated to my first edition of this tournament, when the Wallabies, on the back of blistering outside backs and forward drive, took out the tournament in a tense decider at Twickenham.
Being only seven at the time, I really didn’t have a good grasp on the rules. I just remember watching the likes of Farr-Jones, Horan and Campese show some rugby that was just breathtaking to witness.
Though England were brave and had tried to play Australia at their own game, the best team won on the day and Australia held the Web Ellis Cup for the first time.
The 1995 edition was one with which the afterward celebrations of the Springboks’ 15-12 victory over the All Blacks was iconic in more ways than one.
Nelson Mandela, donning the green jersey and cap that day is something that still sends chills down my spine now, when I see it.
Having seen a Rugby World Cup final go above and beyond the 80 minutes and witnessing the winning drop goal was something I never thought would be repeated. Thankfully I was wrong.
After John Eales lead Australia to a history-making second title in 1999, the World Cup came Down Under for the second time in 2003.
This was, to me, the best edition in the history of the tournament, the atmosphere in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne was something I don’t think I’ll ever experience again.
All the different nationalities and rugby traditions from around the world amassed in the one place.
While England played their traditional forward drive style, it was still champagne rugby in my view, executed with such skill and precision.
Australia, on the other hand, with the backing of a nation behind them, faced the All Blacks in an epic semi-final with George Gregan’s famous line “Four more years, boys.”
Leading up to the final, I was half expecting England and Sir Johnny Wilkinson to totally shut Australia out before it even started.
What I did get however, sitting at Stadium Australia in row S, was the most exciting 102 minutes of my life.
The opening try from Tuquri blistering, and ‘that’ drop goal by Sir Wilkinson was heart-breaking!
That moment remains both, the best and worst of my life, in so many ways; it just emulated to me what rugby really means as a sport.
In 2007, it just seemed to disappoint me, compared to the World Cup’s previous showings. There just wasn’t ever really that ‘wow’ factor at any stage.
This year, I had the privilege of flying over for the Ireland versus Wales game and then Australia and South Africa, the next day, in a mad plane dash with my Kiwi mates.
Many people thought this year’s final would be very one-sided and that the All Blacks simply had to turn up.
France really surprised me the other night though, watching on the big screen about a mile from the All Blacks’ ‘Spiritual Home’ of Eden Park.
While I, and many other people, believe that the better team actually lost the game in the end, I do take my hat off to the All Blacks. They have been the most consistent team over the past four years and deserve to be crowned world champions in what was an absolute cracker of a game.
I just hope England can produce the same level of wonder and surprise to the game, ‘they play in Heaven’, come 2015.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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