5 Memorable World Cup Moments

With the World Cup exactly 365 days away we take a look at five moments that have made past tournaments so special. 

Each World Cup has produced something special but we have identified five of our favourites.

Francois Pienaar and Nelson Mandela - 1995 Rugby World Cup Final

This is possibly the most iconic moment in rugby's history. The Springboks beat the odds to lift the William Webb Ellis Cup ultimately uniting the country following the Apartheid era.

The image of the late great Nelson Mandela wearing a no.6 Springbok rugby jersey is something that will live in the memories of millions of South Africans and rugby fans alike.

Jonah Lomu's try v England - 1995 Rugby World Cup

Another magically moment from the 1995 Rugby World Cup from another fallen hero.

The sight of seeing the massive frame of Jonah Lomu steamrolling through the England defence before running over Mike Catt to score is still one of the most iconic tries ever scored at a World Cup.

Jonny Wilkinson drop goal - 2003 Rugby World Cup Final

Jonny Wilkinson was a truly gifted player and one of the best players to play game. 

During the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final he showed his class when he slotted a winning drop kick with his less favoured foot, as England became the first and only Northern Hemisphere country to win the World Cup. 

Sonny Bill Williams 2015 Rugby World Cup

In the last World Cup, All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams had two moments of brilliance off the field.

The first was in the semi-final against South Africa where he consoled young Springbok centre Jesse Kriel after the All Blacks defeated the Boks to reach the final.

The second was in the final when Williams gifted his World Cup Winners medal to young a fan.

Japan v South Africa - 2015 Rugby World Cup

Japan created their own bit of history in the last Rugby World Cup when they pulled of for what has been considered as the greatest upset in rugby's history.

They defeated the Springboks 34-32 in Brighton giving the Brave Blossoms only their second-ever RWC victory.