A month ago we brought you a fantastic documentary charting the success of the All Blacks at the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Today, on the eve of the 2011 Quarter Finals, we take a look at the Wallabies’ campaign of 1991.
With superstar wing David Campese in the form of his life, Australia did what they couldn’t do four years earlier and made it to the final. Campo scored six tries and set up many others, including the famous miracle pass to Tim Horan against New Zealand in the semi final.
The Man of the Tournament was in good company, as young John Eales was immense, particularly in the final, and Nick Far Jones, Tim Horan, and Michael Lynagh all played large roles in the first of Australia’s two Rugby World Cup titles.
The tournament was jointly hosted by five countries, with France hosting the most matches, but the opening match and final were played at Twickenham in England.
The tournament actually has the unenviable stat of having the lowest average points per match of any other world cup. While in 1987 the average was 50.7, in 1991 it was 37.4, and since then it hasn’t dropped below 50 again.
The final of the stayed true to the low scoring stats as Australia continued their fine defensive record and came away 12-6 winners. They conceded just three tries in the tournament.
The following documentary has brilliant footage from all the biggest matches, and includes excellent insight from the players themselves, making it a must watch for all rugby fans. Enjoy.
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