A sport that has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the world, rugby is among the most entertaining and intense games you can ever play.
While the sport may look like an almighty battle on television, rugby players often say that being in the thick of the action is even more exhilarating and tension-inducing.
If you first got into rugby because of online sports bets, or you happened to catch a game at a bar or a friend’s place, you may want to learn more about this exciting sport.
There have been countless incredible matchups in rugby over the past few decades, with the likes of England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and France doing battle on the biggest stages.
Among the many teams that have graced the rugby pitch, some are undoubtedly remembered more fondly than others. Below are the top five most decorated and well-remembered rugby teams of all time.
1. British and Irish Lions – 1971
The British and Irish Lions from 1971 are likely the best team that has ever graced the sport of rugby. They are, to this day, the only Lions team that managed to beat New Zealand in their backyard.
While the team is called the British and Irish Lions, they relied heavily on Welsh talent during those days. The Welsh team was outstanding, which meant the Lions benefited by having a lot of great players from that part of Britain. The likes of JPR Williams and Gareth Edwards made for a formidable matchup against anyone.
When the Lions and New Zealand played a series in 1971, the Lions were victorious Down Under thanks to a draw in their final encounter that resulted in a 2-1 series win.
2. New Zealand – 1987-1989
The New Zealand team from the late 1980s was one of the most impressive you could have hoped to see in rugby. They were the best All-Blacks that have ever been witnessed, which is saying a lot considering the storied history of this nation in the sport of rugby.
New Zealand was unbeatable during these years, as they played 23 test matches against very good opposition and won 22 of those encounters. The 1987 World Cup was another occasion for New Zealand to show their class, as they scored 43 tries in six matches on their way to lifting the trophy.
3. England – 2003
The England rugby team that claimed a World Cup triumph in 2003 is still seen as the best the nation has put out for a long time. Led by the greatest coach that rugby has seen in the form of Clive Woodward, they were mightily impressive against very good teams on their way to lifting the trophy.
England had to take on the best of the best in that Rugby World Cup. Not only did they defeat arch-rivals New Zealand, but they also bested Australia and South Africa to claim the glory they had craved for so many years.
With the likes of Jonny Wilkinson in the team, whose drop goal was the one that helped them seal the World Cup win, there was no stopping England in the early 2000s.
4. New Zealand
Another entry on this list is for the All-Blacks. The New Zealand team of 2015 was another that captured the imagination of this rugby-obsessed nation. Winning the World Cup is always a great achievement, but New Zealand did it in some style in 2015.
Steve Hansen was the coach at the time, and the World Cup was being held in England. New Zealand arrived with a lot of pressure, as they had won the previous edition of the World Cup in 2011. Many expected them to struggle and come unstuck, but they had other ideas.
New Zealand utterly dominated the tournament, thrashing Australia at Twickenham by a monster score and retaining their trophy. There has never been a more dominant and one-sided Rugby World Cup final in history.
5. South Africa – 1995
Winning the Rugby World Cup in 1995 was a special moment for South Africa for two reasons. The first has to do with the sport, as their team was outstanding in all phases and departments of the game.
Francois Pienaar was an outstanding athlete who put in a performance in the final of that World Cup that will never be forgotten. They were taking on New Zealand, who were the absolute favourites to win the trophy. However, the Springboks had other ideas on that day.
Pienaar led them to glory and united a nation in the process. Their triumph was one of the key sporting moments that helped to heal the country after all the political unrest that had taken place in the previous decade or two.
