South Africa at the Rugby World Cup was barred from the first two World Cups due to its controversial "apartheid" regime. ---- Quarter-final Semi-final South Africa at the Rugby World Cup South Africa have played at six of the eight Rugby World Cup tournaments, having been unable to compete in the first two tournaments due to a sports boycott during the apartheid era. Following the end of apartheid, they hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup and won the tournament, and were champions again at the 2007 tournament in France. With two tournament wins, they are one of the three best performing teams, along with Australia who have
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