How the past Rugby World Cup champions have been crowned

A look back on the eight previous Rugby World Cup finals.

2015 - New Zealand 34 Australia 17 (Twickenham): Led by the indomitable Richie McCaw, the All Blacks became the first team to retain the title despite a spirited comeback from the Wallabies, who were down 21-3 before rallying with 14 unanswered points. Flyhalf Dan Carter nailed a drop goal from 40 metres out and followed it up with a penalty from just inside the opposition’s half before his last-minute conversion of Beauden Barrett’s try proved to be the icing on the cake.

2011 - New Zealand 8 France 7 (Auckland): It would prove to be third time unlucky for an inspired France as the All Blacks held firm finally to secure their second title on home soil. Prop Tony Woodcock scored the only try of the game from a 15th minute lineout but France were resolute and the title was decided by a penalty from fourth choice flyhalf Stephen Donald.