On a lighter note
These are the funniest, most bizarre and jaw dropping moments which we feel have made the 2015 edition of the competition worth every second.
We take a look at the lighter moments!
Ticket please
In the quarterfinal between France and New Zealand, French fullback Scott Spedding attempted to stop Julian Savea from crashing over the try line. He was sent flying backwards as the Bus steamrolled him.
Hospital pass
The Craig Joubert saga had so many twists and turns that you would be forgiven for thinking it was a soap opera. The long and short of the story though, World Rugby came out and stated that he had made a mistake in awarding the last minute penalty that secured Australia victory over Scotland in their World Cup quarterfinal – for the record, the chairman of the reviewing committee is John Jeffrey, a Scot!
But more bizarrely, a few days later, chief executive Brett Gosper insisted the governing body had not meant to throw Joubert "under the bus."
Tweet tweet
What would the world of rugby be without a classic Nigel Owens one-liner, and there have been a few. However, the overwhelming favourite occurred in the Springbok v Scotland game – Stuart Hogg found himself on the wrong side of Owens after taking a dive.
"Try that [diving] again and come back in two weeks to play, not today. Watch it."
Bring it on
Its was a thing of beauty and respect of the highest order. Two sides laying down the gauntlet and respecting each others' tradition. What a spectacle to see the juggernaut All Blacks stare down the Tongans as both sides handed the other a challenge.
No words can explain the intensity.
Big Kahuna
Trailing the Springboks by three points with time running out, Japan were awarded a penalty and could easily have opted to have a kick at poles to tie the match. However, captain Michael Leitch showed massive courage and heart to have a dig at going for the win.
And we all know what happened in the end.
Brain fart
England captain Chris Robshaw was faced with the same decision as Leitch, the only difference being that his decision blew up in his face and proved to be the difference between qualifying for the play-offs and packing their bags.
Oops!
Let's dance
Parody videos have gone viral of the kicking ritual dubbed the Biggarena. No words would justify the bizarre ritual he goes through before striking the ball but one thing is for sure, it certainly helps.
Maradona magic
If you want to see passion and enjoyment, just have a look at the Argentine supporters. They quite literally lose their marbles when their side steps onto the field.
And no-one lost their marbles more than the iconic footballer Diego Maradona. He was seen waving his countries colours in the stands and then joined the team in their change room after the match.
Real men cry
Ian Madigan could not hold back the water works after Ireland managed to overcome France. He came onto the field to replace Jonathan Sexton and managed to grab eight points with the boot to help his side to a 15-point victory.
Kick it like Johnny
Playing in his final international match, Namibian prop Johnny Redelinghuys stepped up and attempted to convert a try, with an hilarious outcome.
The ball failed to get off the ground and fell way short of its mark, however, it's always humorous seeing the big boys having a go.
The eavesdropper
Canada's Jamie Cudmore cheekily attempts to eavesdrop the French huddle during their match. He seemed to go incognito but was eventually caught out and shoved back.
Switch it up
It was a moment the world nearly missed. Dan Carter stepped up in the final seconds of the game to convert Beauden Barrett's try. He described it as something he has always wanted to do but never had the chance.
And, on the grandest scale of them all, he had the perfect chance to kick a conversion with right foot. Being Carter, he obviously sent it straight down the middle.
Just lose it
No sideshow awards is ever complete with having good old Heyneke Meyer lose his mind after his side made their way into the semifinals.
Feel free to share any moments we may have missed!
