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The 2019 Rugby World Cup is now just two days away. Opening the event will be hosts Japan against Russia. It is a fitting opening to the tournament due to it, at long last, being played outside of the founding union locations. It is also a notable fixture for the reason of how spectacular Japan performed at the 2015 World Cup.
RWC 2015 is remembered well obviously for New Zealand’s unbeaten campaign en route to lifting the William Webb Ellis Cup. Yet it is the battle of Brighton between the 1995, and 2007 champions South Africa against Japan which stands out most. That game has had a movie made about it.
The 2015 World Cup had many memorable moments and matches. From the Americas it was Argentina who did the best as Los Pumas reached the Semi Finals, doing so after a comprehensive win over Ireland in the Quarter Finals.
For Uruguay the campaign was a return after a twelve year wait. Los Teros had beaten Spain in RWC 1999, and Georgia in RWC 2003 only to miss out on qualifying for RWCs 2007, and 2011. In RWC 2015 they would have the draw from hell as they faced both host nations (England, and Wales) in their respective home soil in addition to finalists Australia and Tier 2 powerhouses Fiji. Tries to Carlos Arboleya and Agustín Ormaechea against Fiji would be memorable highlights.
Canada would score memorable tries. Winger DTH van der Merwe would make history in becoming the first player to score tries in all four pool matches, doing so against Ireland, Italy, France, and Romania. While wins would not come there had been opportunities to defeat both Italy, and Romania. Losing against the latter was heartbreak, notably after holding a big lead with Jeff Hassler’s sensational runs.
For the USA the tournament brought with it the target of defeating Japan or Samoa. Yet after the opening weekend it was quickly clear that such a task would not transpire. Not only did Japan beat the Springboks but Samoa would also defeat the North Americans. Losses would follow against Scotland, and South Africa though there were notable tries scored by the likes of Chris Bauman, Titi Lamositele, Taku Ngwenya, and Chris Wyles.
Before the start of the 2019 World Cup sit back, relax and relive the 2015 World Cup.
