On This Day in 1999, Australia win their third Rugby World Cup

21-years-ago today, Australia won the Rugby World Cup for the second time.

The Wallabies beat France 35-12 in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Matt Burke slotted seven penalties for the victors with Ben Tune and Owen Finegan both dotting down for tries.

France were quickest out the blocks as the Wallabies were caught offside in the opening minutes of the final and Christophe Lamaison slotted a penalty to up the French up 3-0. Australia hit back three minutes later through Matt Burke's accurate boot before Joe Roff came within yards of the French try-line as the hectic opening continued.

The opening brace of penalties were swiftly followed by another one to each side. John Eales was yellow-carded for foul play and Lamaison did well to make good a tricky 50-yard opportunity before Burke cancelled his effort out. A Lamaison cross kick saw Abdel Benazzi dive over the line but his try was called back for an earlier knock on as both sides continued to look for the opening score. 

A Marc Lievremont penalty allowed Burke to nudge the Australian noses ahead by three points on 25 minutes. Burke missed another shot but slotted his final effort of the half as the sides went into the break with the Australians up 12-6.

Burke and Lamaison traded blows from the tee early in the first quarter of the second half as Australia held a 18-12 lead. Burke stretched the lead to 21-12. Australia then capitalised with Gregan darting through a gap before the ball was spread to Horan a phase later then Finegan to Ben Tune who dismissed Garbajosa's to score in the right hand corner. Burke converted to make it a 16 point game in Australia's favour.

A lovely behind the back inside ball from George Gregan from a lineout just outside the French 22 saw Owen Finegan charge through the French defence swatting off defenders with ease as he scored the try that sealed the result.