Introduction: New Zealand Set The Stage
New Zealand were preferred over South Africa and Japan, by the IRB to host the World Cup
The opening ceremony showcased New Zealand’s diverse cultures and the history of the country.
There were 48 matches, from the September 9 to October 23 and the tournament featured most of the same countries as the 1999 World Cup – with the only change being Russia, who appeared in place of Portugal.
New Zealand was the only team to win two World Cups on home soil.
This was the first final were two replacements scored tries.
Israel Dagg and Jerome Kaino were the stand out players for the All Blacks.
Favourites New Zealand ended 8-7 winners, after France gave them a tough 80mins.
This was the lowest points in a World Cup final.
The All Blacks had joined Australia and South Africa, who also won the World Cup twice.
New Zealand was the only team to win two World Cups on home soil.
The qualification process in this World Cup was different, the top three teams in each pool of the previous received automatic qualification to the 2011 World Cup.
The remaining eight spots were filled by regional based qualification- with Europe and the Americas allocated two qualifying places, Africa, Asia and Oceania one place each and the last place determined by a playoff.
South Africa's, Morné Steyn had the most points in the tournament- with a total of 62 points that included two tries, 14 conversions, seven penalties and one drop-goal.
This was the largest sporting event in New Zealand.
