In 1985, the idea for a Rugby World Cup was set in stone with the first tournament to take place two years later in New Zealand and Australia.
Nine teams were invited to take part in the event and joined The Five Nations and hosts New Zealand and Australia. South Africa were banned from taking part due to it's apartheid policies.
While the tournament ended in what was to become the inevitable quarter final stages for Ireland after a loss to Australia, France shocked the Wallabies in the semi finals to face the other co-hosts New Zealand in the first ever Rugby World Cup Final. In a game that was to be repeated 24 years later in another final, New Zealand faced France in Eden Park, Auckland.
The All Blacks comfortably won the Final with tries from Michael Jones, captain David Kirk and John Kirwan. Former Italy head coach Pierre Berbizier would score France's only try in the encounter. It was to be the All Blacks only World Cup win until four years ago when the side led by Richie McCaw lifted the Webb Ellis trophy.
The trophy presentation is best remembered for the embrace between Andy Dalton and Kirk. Dalton was originally named as captain for the tournament, but pulled out before the first game after an injury in training.
The 1987 event proved to be a huge success in New Zealand and Australia. It was the precursor to the global event we will see over the coming weeks.
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