1999: Aussies rule world again

World Cup final, 6 November 1999
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

The last World Cup final was strangely reminiscent of the first.

Australia 35 Tries: Tune, Finegan Cons: Burke (2) Pens: Burke (7) France 12 Pens: Lamaison (4)

Back in 1987, France had booked their place there with a thrilling semi-final victory over Australia only to be overawed in the final by New Zealand.

Twelve years on they suffered a similar fate after stunning the All Blacks, the tournament favourites, in the last four.

And, as they had done previously, they simply lacked the same bite and enthusiasm in the final.

France were let down throughout the final, their indiscipline allowing Matt Burke a host of kickable opportunities.

The Wallabies full-back made no mistake.

France had earlier moved themselves 6-3 ahead and almost stretched it further but Abdel Benazzi's try was subsequently disallowed because of a knock-on.

As the game headed to half-time, Australia relied on the boot of Burke to keep them 12-6 in front.

SKIPPER'S VERDICT I thought: Better make sure you don't swear Eales on meeting the Queen Read his full story

After the restart a new-look Australia piled on the pressure on the French, only initially gaining further Burke penalties for their efforts.

And, with a 21-12 deficit, France were still clearly in the game until the first of two second-half tries.

Ben Tune pulled off the killer blow when he ran into the corner virtually unchallenged.

Wallaby replacement Owen Finegan made the margin of victory even bigger deep into injury time when he followed Tune's lead to pick a gap in the French defence and force his way over the line.

Burke, who had enjoyed a stunning day with his kicking, converted both tries as Australia became the only two-time winners of the William Webb Ellis Trophy.

---

Australia: Matthew Burke; Ben Tune, Tim Horan, Daniel Herbert, Joe Roff; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan; Andrew Blades, Michael Foley, Richard Harry; John Eales, David Giffin; Matt Cockbain, David Wilson, Toutai Kefu

France: Xavier Garbajosa; Christophe Dominici, Emile Ntamack, Richard Dourthe, Philippe Bernat-Salles; Christophe Lamaison, Fabien Galthie; Cedric Soulette, Raphael Ibanez, Franck Tournaire; Abdelatif Benazzi, Fabien Pelous; Marc Lievremont, Olivier Magne, Christophe Juillet

Interview by Matt Majendie