Inaugural tournament was opposed by Scotland and Ireland but transformed game as a Nations Championship would now
Last weekend marked the anniversary of the inaugural World Cup final, the tournament that not only changed the visage of rugby union but its entire appearance. Like many new competitions, it started slowly, but as it gained momentum its commercial success stormed amateurism’s fiercely guarded citadel, a cannon prevailing over a bow and arrow.
The final – between New Zealand and France in Auckland, which was not as close as the 2011 encounter between the sides at the same venue – was 33 years ago but the contrast between then and now is so stark it suggests a far longer gap.
Written by Paul Rees
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jun/25/the-breakdown-rugby-union-1987-world-cup-nations-championship under the title “The Breakdown | Rugby should look at 1987 World Cup and take another leap into unknown”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
