Australia at the Rugby World Cup playing South Africa in the feature film "Invictus" based on the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Australia at the Rugby World Cup The Australian national rugby union team, known as the Wallabies, has played all eight Rugby World Cup tournaments. They are one of the three best performing teams, having won two tournaments, as has South Africa; only New Zealand has done better, winning three tournaments. Australia has hosted or co-hosted the tournament on two occasions – in 1987 and 2003. Quarter final Group matches ---- ---- Pool B games - ---- Australia hosted the first 1987 Rugby World Cup, along
History of the Rugby World Cup only the top three places from 1995, along with the host nation, automatically qualified. Sixty-five rugby nations participated in qualifying competitions for the 1999 tournament, and the participating nations increased from 16 to 20. France's shock 43–31 semifinal win over the All Blacks is regarded as one of the biggest upsets and also one of the best games in the history of the World Cup. Australia defeated France in the final 35–12. They therefore became the first nation to win the World Cup twice. The 2003 World Cup was hosted by Australia. It was originally to be co-hosted with New