RWC Fives: Memorable Moments from 2015

This has been hailed the best tournament ever, and we have picked out the most memorable, emotional and game-changing moments from the last six weeks of nail-biting, enchanting, enraging and magnificent rugby.

The old guard lifting their final cup
New Zealand v Australia, Final

After stuttering in the group games and having to dig deep to get past South Africa in the semis, New Zealand’s ageing team achieved their expected success in style – the crowning glory in what was an emotional farewell.

They are already 5/4 to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but to do so they will have to replace some absolute legends.

Richie McCaw may be tempted to carry on, but he won’t be on the pitch by then. Nor wlll inspirational Dan Carter, who kept his head and prevented a Kiwi wobble at Twickenham, and nor will Ma’a Nonu. And the list goes on.

The win-to-game ratio of those three, however, says just how much they will be missed: McCaw has won 130 of his 147 games (88%); Carter won 98 of his 111 (88%); while Ma’a Nonu had 91 from 103 (89%).

A moment to give the minnows belief
Japan v South Africa, Group Stages

It was the biggest shock in World Cup history as Japan upset the Springboks on the opening weekend – but more importantly than that it was a huge statement for world rugby.

The Japanese were rewarded for their bravery with a late match-winning try and the moment inspired an entire nation. Japanese fans voted in numbers, with 25m tuning in for their match with Samoa two games later.

Their performances, and those of Argentina, showed how it is possible for nations to improve and reach the top levels and gave huge encouragement for the development of the sport as a whole.

England’s bad call
England v Wales, Group Stages

England captain Chris Robshaw’s bad call against Wales to kick for touch rather than take a penalty was a defining moment – because it not only lost a match, it demolished the home belief that had previously been so strong.

When England lost the game, and Robshaw got panned for the decision, it sent the entire nation into the group ‘decider’ against Australia with a ‘lose and we’re out’ mentality.

In truth, however, the flip side was ‘win and we’re almost certainly in’. We shall never know how England would have played had positivity remained, and for that reason, it was surely a tournament-changing decision.

Nigel Owens’ impressive put down
Scotland v South Africa, Group Stages

Referee Nigel Owens was impressive throughout the World Cup, including his officiating in the final, but his most amusing moment came during the pool stage game between Scotland and South Africa.

Scotland’s Stuart Hogg theatrically dived to the floor after nothing more than a brush with South Africa’s Tendai Mtawarira.

With the game taking place at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, Owens’ quick wit warned Hogg: “There was nothing wrong with it. Dive like that again and come back here in two weeks and play (when the football is on).”

Australia’s mistaken tournament-saving penalty
Australia v Scotland, Quarter Final

That Australia made it to the Rugby World Cup final was in large part thanks to referee Craig Joubert, because they would have been knocked out two weeks earlier had they not benefitted from his controversial decision.

In a needle match, a last-minute penalty sent Scotland down 35-34 and the fact that the South African referee ran off the field the minute he blew for time didn’t help any potential defence of the decision.

World Rugby later admitted Joubert had made the wrong call but it was small consolation. Had Scotland held on, they would have met Argentina in the Semis, giving them a good shot at making their first ever final.