RWC 2023: Grading best Rugby World Cup Final moments

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RWC 2023: Grading best Rugby World Cup Final moments

The Rugby World Cup has brought us a list of inspiring moments over the past 28 years, and it's no wonder some of the most notable ones materialised in the final itself. New Zealand and Australia are on an accident course this Saturday as they each offer to become the first nation ever to win three RWCs, and each has provided huge eagerness since the initial contest in 1987.

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South Africa Rugby World Cup, 1995

June 24, 1995, will always be linked as a date when the power of sport was so kindly exemplified in bringing post-apartheid South Africa calm under a unified front. The image of Nelson Mandela handing that year's Webb Ellis award to Springboks captain Francois Pienaar served as a symbol in itself as to how far the state had come, past the game and contest itself. Ex-South Africa Chester Williams played a part in the 15-12 extra-time downfall of New Zealand.

He said, it presented what we can achieve if we stand together, we are a great nation. Sport is powerful which is why the Rugby World Cups in the various sports are so significant. That brings memories, brings people together, helps them connect and builds newfound respect. Rugby isn't exclusive in these cases, and one can only hope the sport growths to create even more revolutions of this nature.

Jonny Wilkinson's 2003 RWC

Of course, the most famed of the formerly mentioned kicks in the 2003 final is Jonny Wilkinson's 100thminute drop goal against Australia, the total that saw England clinch their first Rugby World Cup Final. Lote Tuqiri and Jason Robinson counted first-half tries for Australia and England, individually.

But the match eked into a tense showdown grieving of many gaping try odds in the second half. With the scores balanced at 17-17 in extra-time, England's pack provided the basis for their last-minute lunge up the field, with alternates Jason Leonard and Lewis Moody having their hand in that honour.

Ultimately, the approvals will rest justly with Wilkinson, since it was he who had to stable what must have been rattling worries to ping his 25-metre kick over on his less-favoured true foot. To this date, that conquest is the only Rugby World Cup ever won by a northern-hemisphere side and will remain so until 2019 at the earliest.

New Zealand end 24-Year Rugby World Cup Final pause

New Zealand is one of rugby's most valued institutions, meant by their endless ability to challenge for the top finishing seats at the RWC every four years. This year's final put New Zealand on the point of becoming the first nation ever to seal successive Webb Ellis trophies, and no nation has made it to the final four of the competition more than the Kiwis. However, New Zealand had to bear a 24-year wait between World Cup victories.

Winning the first competition back in 1987 before appealing their second four years ago. The 2011 conquest over France was mainly special as it saw third-string fly-half Stephen Donald come on for Aaron Cruden filling in for injured Dan Carter and score the penalty that eventually saw them across the line. For more about knowing Rugby World Cup Tickets

France Rugby World Cup side faces down the haka

The haka is something of a quirk in world rugby. New Zealand's exclusive pre-match war cry has been pickled with both respect and scorn by teams down the years, with differing results. Before the final of the 2011 RWC, France chose not to simply stand back and take in the teaser tactic, but instead, they paraded down upon it.

A positive end consequence didn't come about for France as they suffered an 8-7 downfall, but their tactic delivered the world with a stop-and-stare instant for the ages. At the very least, France can take some solace in suing the smallest-ever losing margin from a final.

Elton Flatley's cool courage in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final

The 2003 World Cup final is mostly remembered for one precise kick from champs England, but Australia's Elton Flatley often gets gone for an effort that was, in a way, just as significant. Australia trailed 14-11 heading into the final minute of regular time, and despite missing a couple of energies already that day. It was centre Flatley who walked up to force extra time under devastating pressure.

Flatley spoke to media Scrum's Sam Bruce and thorough the mechanics of that game, chiefly how confidence came to have a main impact on his success from the tee. The first kick I was pretty worried. I was at the phase where I didn't get nervous kicking anymore but with that kick, I was certainly a bit nervous. The method of the kick if you have a look at it was pretty awful.

As I kicked, my head was up looking where the ball was going and, thank God, it did go through the poles. That was a great wisdom of relief actually; there wasn't a lot of air-punching. But the second one and the last one, I was very self-assured and that was a very nice kick off the boot with good method, it was a much sweeter kick and far more self-assured than the first one. But in the end, the same outcome.

Flatley brought the scores level once again in extra time at 17-17, but it was a sure England No. 10 who had the last laugh. Having said that, it never would have gone for 20 extra minutes in 2003 were it not for Flatley holding his courage with an 80th-minute strike that almost brought Australia back-to-back Rugby World Cups. For more about knowing RWC Tickets.

Nigel Owens was chosen first openly gay RWC referee

Nigel Owens' first Rugby World Cup Final nomination gets an admirable mention due to the fact it hasn't happened yet, but the official will make sporting past when he takes charge at Twickenham on Saturday.

In doing so, the Welshman will become the first amenably gay referee to preside on such an occasion, and former British and Irish Lions trainer Ian McGeechan believes Owens is the finest man for the job, per media.

Under the pressure that this competition naturally generates, I think the officials have done remarkably well, but it is just that Owens has done the finest. On Saturday, we will have, in New Zealand and Australia, the best two sides appearing, as well the finest referee, in Owens. It should be the faultless finale. It is certainly the correct decision for Owens to be refereeing and it is not a wonder.

Because, since he took care of New Zealand vs South Africa Test in Johannesburg in 2013, which, with its exciting 38-27 achievement for New Zealand, was probably the best game of the last era, it has been clear that he is at the very front of this present crop of officials. While giving this watershed moment its earnt time in the spotlight, it's vital one also doesn't put too much stress on Owens' orientation.

As it's eventually his refereeing talent that fortified him for the job. That being said, it's inspiring to see rugby embracing variety and unity with such a result, escaping the shackles of any cruel stereotypes as a sport to promote the right view on the matter.

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