2011 Rugby World Cup the first Asian nation to host the first Rugby World Cup. Japan had the necessary infrastructure already in place, by virtue of its co-hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup. South Africa had hosted the tournament in 1995. The 2011 South African bid, led by former national captain Francois Pienaar, had strong support from their national government. South Africa had also won the right to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The IRB Council meeting in Dublin on 17 November 2005 announced that New Zealand had been selected after IRB inspections of each applicant host nation during June and July 2005.
1995 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage 1995 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage The 1995 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage took place after the group stage of the 1995 Rugby League World Cup and culminated in the 1995 Rugby League World Cup Final. The Semi-finals consisted of four teams; 1st and 2nd from Group A, 1st from Group B and 1st from Group C. Inspirational Welsh captain Jonathan Davies announced his representative retirement following the match. After showing very little form in their group games, New Zealand almost produced a boilover against Australia in Huddersfield. The Kangaroos were leading 20–16 with just 3 minutes remaining