With the Rugby World Cup in full swing, here are just a few fun facts that might make your next grog session quiz a little bit more interesting.
1. New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu in 1995 and South Africa’s Bryan Habana in 2007 share the record for the most tries in one competition, with eight. Even speaking their names sends a chill down our spine.
2. England’s 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson remains the top points-scorer in finals history, with 277, from one try, 28 conversions, 58 penalties and 14 drop-goals. It was in the final that Wilkinson broke Australian hearts and sent the Barmy Army into paroxysms of joy with a World Cup-winning drop goal!
3. Canada is the only team to have received two red cards in one match, in a 20-0 defeat to South Africa in 1995, with Gareth Rees and Rod Snow the culprits. Is it just us or is anyone else surprised that Canada, of all countries, is the only team to have achieved this dubious distinction?
4. The Wallabies routed Namibia in 2003, with a scoreline of 142-0. New Zealand are the only team to score more points in a match, defeating Japan 145-17 in 1995. Namibia are back in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and we wish them and the Brave Blossoms of Japan all the best!
5. The same whistle is blown for the opening game of every Rugby World Cup tournament. It was first used in 1905 by a Welsh referee during a game between England and New Zealand. Talk about tradition! Using a whistle that is 118 years old certainly qualifies.
Talk about a list of fun facts that definitely packed a punch!
