With a new tournament and huge expectations playing at home New Zealand started slowly against Italy in the first match in 1987.
It took almost half an hour for the All Blacks to break through Italy’s defence. 22-year-old Michael Jones, who had played one Test for Samoa was on his debut for New Zealand and had the honour of notching his own piece of history after the All Blacks won a scrum against the feed. He was set up by a lovely pass on the inside from Grant Fox.
The try settled New Zealand’s nerves and after only leading 17-3 at half-time, the All Blacks put on a show in the second half, including a blistering John Kirwin try to win 70-6.
Jones continued to be a key part of New Zealand’s success and bookended the tournament by scoring again in the final against France.
Despite coming back from injury and his refusal to play on Sundays due to religious reasons, Jones was selected for the 1991 World Cup. He did miss three matches during the tournament which were on Sunday. His strong Christian beliefs ultimately led to his omission from the 1995 squad when it was realised that key finals matches including both semis were to played on Sundays.
Jones still managed to play 55 times for New Zealand, including being part of the first winning Tri Nations squad.
He turned to coaching Samoa at the end of his career which finished on a sour note after a disappointing World Cup in 2007, forcing Jones to resign.
The Roar’s World Cup Countdown:
30. Grant Fox’s record 30 conversions from the 1987 World Cup
29. All Blacks claim the 1987 World Cup, 29-9
28. Tonga stun Italy with Sateki Tuipulotu’s boot, winning 28-25
27. 27 per cent of tries came from scrums in 2003 with Canada showing the value of the set piece
26. David Pocock made 26 tackles in a fantastic performance against South Africa in the 2011 quarter-finals
25. South Africa’s 25 wins from 29 matches at the World Cup
24. Wales scores 24 points in the first half against New Zealand but still lose in 2003
23. Nick Farr-Jones 23 wins as Australian captain including an historic 1991 World Cup win against England
22. The Wallabies notch a cricket score with 22 tries in a 142-0 thumping of Namibia in 2003
21. Georgia’s David Dadunashvili becomes the youngest (21) to start at hooker in a World Cup match
20. The first World Cup classic finishes 20-all between Scotland and France in 1987
19. 19-year-old George North becomes youngest World Cup try scorer in 2011
18. Since their first and only win Japan has gone 18-straight World Cup games without victory
17. New Zealand coaching staff present 17 alleged refereeing errors to explain 2007 loss
16. George Gregan and Jason Leonard involved in 16 wins each at World Cup level
15. Jonah Lomu’s 15 tries in 11 matches
14. Jonny Wilkinson’s 14 World Cup drop goals including his most famous one in England’s 20-17 win over the Wallabies
13. Philippe Sella’s fantastic career at No.13 with 13 starts for France at Rugby World Cups
12. The Wallabies record 12-game winning streak from 1999 to 2003
11. Fiji win 11 out of 11 lineouts against Wales during a stunning 38-34 win in 2007
10. David Campese’s 10 tries for the Wallabies at Rugby World Cups
9. Matt Burke’s 9 points per game average after an amazing 1999 tournament
8. Diego Ormaechea, at age 40, was the oldest number 8 to play at a World Cup
7. No.7 Michael Jones scores the first ever World Cup try
6. Marc Ellis’ record six tries in a match against Japan
5. Jannie de Beer’s five drop goals in a match against England in the 1999 quarter-finals
4. Michael Lynagh’s four tries in World Cup matches including his match-winner against Ireland
3. Cardiff has hosted World Cup matches for three tournaments and will make it a record four in 2015
2. Christophe Lamaison’s two drop goals in semi-final blinder
1. The Webb Ellis Cup.
Pita
Guest
Agree. The only other no.7 who equals or betters McCaw. Iceman was faster and more skilful than most backs.
whydoncha
Guest
Great article Moa and to me it illustrates the vast chasm that exists between NZ and Oz rugby. Seems every rugby player in NZ grows up throwing a ball around and is expected to have the same basic skills. We like to think we are so egalitarian yet when it comes to rugby we use terms like piggies and grunts for the forwards and only the executive members of the team who lurk in the backs are supposed to have any footie skills.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
Remind me again who the "strong back three" are ?? Yep ABs not dominant - lost 3 games in 4 years.. obviously on the decline !
Rugby Tragic
Guest
moa, not sure if that comment was made in jest or not, as I rcall that change to and was quite upset over it all and the influence on that was Michael Jones! ... He put bums on seats mate.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Thanks for your kind words mate... I'm OK mate ...or will be shortly.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Machooka ... that is the reason I choose Digger Demons ... I am an old fart (in my seventies) and Michael Jones was/is the most skillful player I have had the pleasure of watching play and I include McCaw in that lot .. The game was not based necessarily on bulk, size and strength in those days but the skill of the man was unreal. I met the guy once with John Hart, a more grounded guy you'd would be hard to find.
moa
Guest
Was it sheer coincidence that Sunday Tests were introduced during that era?
moa
Guest
Cheers Rugby Tragic----hope you're on the mend mate ;-)
DCR
Guest
All the main preparations are just about complete. The Northern Hemisphere teams have been really putting in the games to get match fit. RSA and the ABs have not played since the Rugby Championships and the Wallabies once. So now we wait. As for the Wallabies I thought the USA game was pretty good. Much of our team were the seconds, except the halves and second row. Our set piece was good and we played with pace. It was a very good warm up game and it looked hot. I'm not sure playing in heat is good but I'm no fitness expert. The tournament has come a long way since 1987. It will be close. The top teams are all of a very high standard. The rewards for winning Group A are immense. So the games between England, Wales and Australia are critical. My heart tells me Wales are fatally wounded by their injuries. All injuries are bad, but Halfpenny's injury is a terrible loss for the tournament. I'm am not convinced Wales have the front row to get over England and Australia. Now they have lost a two critical players. It is hard enough for Wales and Australia to play England at Twickenham, but to do it down on key players with little time to slot in replacements is very tough. I wish them well. England are beatable. You just have to stop their rolling maul. We have strengths in dangerous areas for them; our loose forwards, and safe and strong back three. But if they just drive those mauls picking up penalties then we are sunk. They will try some wide play but when they have to make their money play it will be a driving maul. As for the other contenders; ABs, France, Ireland, RSA, I think the Springboks are not likely to reach the semis. The rest are all very good. The ABs have outstanding backs and try scoring ability everywhere. They have a very experienced forward pack, but they are not as dominant as they once were. Still beating them is very, very hard to do. The France v Ireland game will be a ripper. It could go either way. Whoever wins it gets a better run. So I can't wait.
Machooka
Roar Guru
@ Buzzard Enjoy it man... should be a feast of emotions.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yes Tragic... one of the finest to ever play the game. Interesting, as a die-hard Wallaby supporter, I always felt in awe of this guy. I don't really know why, or how this started, but he's the best loosie I had the pleasure of seeing play our beloved game. Maybe, the awe bit, may have had something to do with him not playing on Sundays (or was it Saturdays ?) due to his religious convictions. Eitherway, the man could play. And dare I say he would be quiet at home in the modern game... he was that damn good. And I'm pretty sure you'll agree with me that is why we both chose Digger's Demons... or at least it was the tipping point ! I hope this reply finds you well... and on recovery for the big dance next week.
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
And the first try in professional international rugby.
Buzzard
Guest
7 more days to go! Can't wait! Everything nearly sorted for the 6 week rugby bonanza!!! Sleeping arrangements (spare room) sorted! Don't wake the household? New TV so I can smash the Old one if that Wayne Barnes cheats again? Beer supply sorted, food supply sorted, new chair sorted, new boil up pot ready to go, working roster sorted, neighbours warned about yelling, cheering & swearing coming from my house, All Black flag at full mast on my garage roof, kinas on order, Mimi line running from chair in mancave to toilet, new cordless phone, lawns mowed, house spring cleaned.........ready for action. Go the BLACKS!!!
Buzzard
Guest
Jones was the best opensider in the world during that era. Unfortunately his religious beliefs and due respect to his religion may have cost the ABs in the 91 Semi against Australia. Still the reason the ABs didn't win the 91 RWC was because 'BUCK' wasn't selected for the tournament!
Jerry
Guest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gji6NclA9t0 Bit harsh on Kirwan to call that 'nothing'. Showed great pace and awareness to get in position to take the pass and pace to finish off from 40m out.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Thank moa .. great link ... brings back a lot of memories of 'life' growing up in New Zealand. Being Asian rugby gave me the rights .... to be equal!
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
Worlds Biggest, you are correct. Concorde Oval 1988 against the Wallabies, Kirwan scored a try by doing nothing, set up and executed by Michael Jones. Probably one of the most impressive tries set up by an openside flanker that you will ever see. its bound to be You tube somewhere.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
What a magnificent player Michael Jones, one of All Black greats. That try by Kirwan was epic.
True story
Guest
Jones always "tried"hard!
moa
Guest
Off-topic but some people may be interested in this article from Andy Bull http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/11/all-blacks-how-new-zealand-sustains-its-rugby-dynasty#comment-59270267