New Zealand became the first side to retain the Rugby World Cup after defeating Australia 34-17 in the final at Twickenham Stadium.
England, 2015 —
New Zealand became the first side to retain the Rugby World Cup after defeating Australia 34-17 in the final at Twickenham Stadium.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The All Blacks ended a 24-year drought when they lifted the Web Ellis trophy on home soil in 2011. Here, Ma'a Nonu greets raucous crowds during the victory parade in Wellington.
New Zealand, 2011 —
The All Blacks ended a 24-year drought when they lifted the Web Ellis trophy on home soil in 2011. Here, Ma'a Nonu greets raucous crowds during the victory parade in Wellington.
Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
South Africa claimed its second title in France in 2007, defeating England 6-15 at the Stade de France in Paris.
France, 2007 —
South Africa claimed its second title in France in 2007, defeating England 6-15 at the Stade de France in Paris.
Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
England became the first -- and to this day the only -- northern hemisphere side to win the World Cup in 2003 by defeating Australia 20-17 in Sydney. Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson struck the winning drop goal in extra-time.
Australia, 2003 —
England became the first -- and to this day the only -- northern hemisphere side to win the World Cup in 2003 by defeating Australia 20-17 in Sydney. Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson struck the winning drop goal in extra-time.
DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Australia's second World Cup victory in 1999 came eight years after its first. A 35-12 victory over France saw John Eales' side lift the trophy in Cardiff.
Wales, 1999 —
Australia's second World Cup victory in 1999 came eight years after its first. A 35-12 victory over France saw John Eales' side lift the trophy in Cardiff.
OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
It's one of rugby's most iconic images -- South African President Nelson Mandela presenting the World Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar in 1995. The victory helped unite the nation shortly after the end of apartheid.
South Africa, 1995 —
It's one of rugby's most iconic images -- South African President Nelson Mandela presenting the World Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar in 1995. The victory helped unite the nation shortly after the end of apartheid.
JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Australia first tasted World Cup victory in 1991 after narrowly defeating England 12-6 in the final.
England, 1991 —
Australia first tasted World Cup victory in 1991 after narrowly defeating England 12-6 in the final.
Russell Cheyne/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The All Blacks won the inaugural Rugby World Cup on home soil in 1987. Captain David Kirk kisses the trophy following victory over France in Auckland.
New Zealand, 1987 —
The All Blacks won the inaugural Rugby World Cup on home soil in 1987. Captain David Kirk kisses the trophy following victory over France in Auckland.
GEORGES GOBET/AFP/AFP/Getty Images