This September kicks off the 2023 Rugby World Cup, in France. Every Rugby World Cup is known for its memorable underdog stories alongside the tales of triumph.
In this article we’ll explore the best underdog stories in Rugby World Cup history. From the historic wins to the thrilling comebacks. We look at what makes these games legendary.
So, let’s explore the top five greatest upsets in Rugby World Cup history.
France 14 - 19 Tonga (2011):
Tonga's victory over France in 2011 has to be the greatest upset in the history of the World Cup. The turning point of the game arrived when Kurt Morath executed the perfect cross-field kick, meaning Suka Hufanga was able to collect the ball on the bounce and bulldoze right past Julien Bonnaire for a try.
Sadly, for Tonga, despite their win over a team that would later reach the final, their journey ended there, as they were unable to get the bonus point needed in order to progress.
Wales 34 - 38 Fiji (2007):
Throughout the years, both Wales and Fiji have played their part in offering major upsets in the Rugby World Cup, but in 2007, Fiji were considered the underdogs going into the tournament.
Fiji was the first to score a try thanks to Akapusi Qera in the 10th minute. Wales were able to respond with tries from both Shane Williams and Alix Popham, allowing them to take a 14-7 lead come halftime.
At half time, Fiji came out fired-up, scoring three tries for a 28-14 lead. It became a back and forth try-a-thon with Wales who fought back with tries from Gareth Thomas, Mark Jones, and Martyn Williams. This helped close the gap to 38-34 however it just wasn’t enough, and Fiji were able to hold on and win by four points.
This victory helped Fiji to first their first Rugby World Cup quarterfinal since 1987. The Fijian fans also played a huge role in making the atmosphere incredible.
Ireland 24 - 28 Argentina (1999):
In 1999, Ireland played host of the Rugby World Cup, and no doubt the Irish were favoured to win.
Argentina however had different plans when they opened the game with a try from Felipe Contepomi in the first 10 minutes. Ireland fired back with a try from Brian O’Driscoll giving them the 7-5 lead at half time. When both teams came back out, Argentina scored two tries giving them a 17-7 lead. Keith Wood helped Ireland close the gap to 17-12 but it wasn’t enough, and Argentina were able to hold on to the victory by four points.
Argentina reached the quarterfinals of the tournament however were knocked out by South Africa (something history went on to repeat numerous times).
France 12 - 17 Argentina (2007):
With France being the hosts on the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and being dubbed the favourites, they were expected to do well. However, they were left completely stunned by Argentina in the opening match of the tournament. And weirdly, there was a lot of similarity in this game, to their 1999 match-up highlighted above.
Felipe Contepomi opened the game with a try in the 10th minute. Yannick Jauzion responded for France taking the lead at half time, 7-5. The Argentinian’s came out firing on all cylinders come half time, taking the lead to 17-7, however France’s David Marty closed the gap to 17-12 with a try. Luckily for Argentina they were able to hold on and win the match by 5 points.
Argentina went on to reach the semi-finals, their first since 1987, before being knocked out by South Africa.
Not only was this the one of the best underdog stories of the Rugby World Cup but it is also well-remembered thanks to electric atmosphere the Argentine fans helped to create by being in full voice.
Wales 13 - 16 Western Samoa (1991):
For a match that is over 30 years old, it still is considered one of the biggest upsets, and is often talked about today. It was the first time that Western Samoa had beaten a ‘tier one nation’ at the Rugby World Cup and was a major breakthrough for the team.
The game opened up in the 10th minute with a try from Sila Vaifale to give Western Samoa a 5-0 lead. Prior to half time, Ieuan Evans responded for Wales and look the lead 7-5.
At half time, Western Samoa must have been given the pep talk they needed as they came out firing and took the lead 10-7. Scott Gibbs levelled the score for Wales; however, Western Samoa scored a try in the last few minutes to win the match 16-13.
The victory allowed the team to reach the quarterfinals however they were beaten by England and their journey at the 1991 Rugby World Cup ended there.
